JAN/FEB 2015 St. Petersburg, FL Est. September 2004 A Bon Vivant and His Muse Bob Griendling ne can’t help being charmed by Richard Montague. He defines the term “bon vivant.” And he is clear about his approach to life over nearly a century: “When life presents an Oopportunity, take advantage of it.” His life story bears that out. As a young man with a schol- arship at stake, he entered a piano competition in high school and won a full ride to Syracuse University. Next, inspired by a Teddy Roosevelt speech, “The Strenuous Life,” Ann Goldman and Lacie (therapy dog) brighten the day for Cooper Hicks he went west to teach at Southern Idaho College of Going to the Dogs Education in Albion. While there and leading its tiny music department, he broke horses, Is Good for the Soul learned to rope, and performed Sara W. Hopkins in rodeos as “The Professor.” very two weeks, the Ronald McDonald house door bursts But, there was never an open to reveal a spunky and spirited Cavalier Spaniel named opportunity like the one ELacie who could not be happier to be there – and of course, presented to him at the Syracuse her owner, Ann Goldman, who is equally thrilled. library. Maude Nickols had just Lacie’s visits to the Ronald McDonald house are a welcome returned from a student diversion for the residents and guests, especially for the siblings teaching appointment and of sick children who remain there with their families while a didn’t know the next class sibling receives treatment. When she’s not showering her audience assignment. She approached with joy and many kisses, Lacie puts on quite a show, too. Richard because she noticed he Ann Goldman explains: “When we go in, most of the kids had the book from the class. are so excited to see her – and she’s excited to see them, too. Could he please tell her what They always say, ‘Can your dog do tricks?’ And then when I show them what she can do, ‘Can I try it?’ So I train the kids to work that assignment was? By all with Lacie. They love it.” indications that was all she At one point, the kids wanted to emulate not only the owner, Richard Montague and his late wife Maude, together for 74 years Continued on page 22 but the dog, too. As Ann tells the story, “They all lined up next to Lacie and when she would roll over, they would roll over. When she would jump, they would jump. When she would The Vinoy Legacy speak, they would speak… well, bark. It only got a little tricky when Lacie jumped through my arms as a hoop. But, the kids all tried!” Part 2: Downtown Revitalization Ann and her son, Luke, moved to the Old Northeast last Will Michaels summer from Annapolis. She worked as an art director for a media firm there, and always had an eye for interior design. Ann fell in This is the second of a two-part series on the Vinoy Renaissance Hotel. The first part told the story of love with the sense of community the Old Northeast neigh- the Vinoy’s restoration, reopening in 1992. The second part deals with the Vinoy restoration’s impact on borhood displays, especially through its porch parties, neighborly the revitalization of downtown St. Petersburg. The current era of fellowship, and many events. When she arrived in the neigh- downtown revitalization may be borhood, Ann felt right at home, but she also made it a priority divided into four phases: The to continue her volunteer work with Lacie. Events Prior to 1999; The First “The Ronald McDonald House is a good place to go – it’s one Wave of Downtown Condo- of the more upbeat places. Even so, some children are terrified miniums; A Second Wave of of dogs,” Ann says. “Some of them hide behind their moms. To Downtown Construction; and get them to not be afraid of Lacie, I hold her like a baby, and The Present Boom Period. then they can start to pet her soft fur from the back. That way they can learn that dogs can be gentle and nice without having Phase 1: The Vinoy them in their face.” Restoration Era As Ann tells the story, she pulls Lacie onto her lap and demon- he restoration of the strates. Calmly and contentedly, Lacie sits curled up in her Vinoy is credited by owner’s arms like a baby. It’s another side of the exuberant and many with being a major energetic dog. T The Historic Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort and Golf Club. Each catalyst for the downtown year the Bank of Tampa St. Petersburg Division commissions a holiday card Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a long history as devoted revitalization, particularly near featuring a St. Petersburg historic scene. This year’s card contains an image companions. They appear in countless portraits of nobility that the waterfront. Fred Guest, one of the Vinoy illustrated by Frank Saso. Image 2014. adorn museum walls. Competing reasons for their popularity at Continued on page 34 Courtesy of the Bank of Tampa. Continued on page 32 Page 2 January/February 2015 NORTHEAST JOURNAL
ItIt StartsStarts Here.Here.
OPEN HOUSE Sun., Jan. 11, 2015 2 pm PreK (3) – Grade 6 Thurs., Jan. 22, 2015 7 pm K – Grade 12 or call for your private tour
5101 First St. NE St. Petersburg, FL 33703 727-456-7511 www.CanYouBeMore.com
Shorecrest teachers ensure students are ready for their futures, be it the rise from preschool to kindergarten or the journey to college.
Page 4 January/February 2015 NORTHEAST JOURNAL
PUBLISHER’S NOTE In Love With St. Pete Cupid’s arrows are a’flyin’ as this issue of the Northeast Journal greets 2015! Finding true love – whether it happens to be with a fellow human, a furry four-legged friend, a ‘pink lady’ down on her luck, or a ‘grand dame’ in need of a few lifts and tucks – can be an act of supreme courage and a whole lot of faith! The rewards, well, they speak for themselves. Let’s take a look. I’m not sure where to have you start because each love story is so special. The main cover article about Dr. Richard Montague and his beloved late wife, Maude, reads like a romance novel of yore. Thank goodness Dr. Montague lived in an era long before instant communication devices. With quick thinking and an impromptu plan, this wily ole fox created the opportunity to catch the girl of his dreams. And, that he did! Read about this couple and their heartwarming story of long-lasting love and companionship. Now cast your eyes on the cover story on the far right. Who wouldn’t fall in love with Lacie? She pretty much assures her own love-filled future by giving so much of it herself. Lacie, and her owner Ann Goldman, visit places where extra love is desperately needed to lift the spirits of those involved. As a trained therapy dog, Lacie is sanctioned to visit places like the Ronald McDonald House where not only those who are sick need loving attention, but confused or sad (albeit physically healthy) siblings of those who are ill look forward to the excitement and special tricks that Lacie brings wherever she goes. Love like this is simple and completely joyful! Moving further into the depths of feelings this issue offers, I honestly cried reading about the selfless love that Gina Longino and her band of temporary builders displayed. Honestly, this story captures the essence of the Northeast Journal’s mission to highlight the “good people, good places, and good things happening” in hopes of creating a ripple effect of goodness throughout the community. What about the pink lady and the grand dame? The pink lady is our very own Vinoy. It is quite clear how many men were in love with her and helped bring her back to her elegant state (see Will Michaels’s cover story). Two other men fell in love with the grand dame on 8th Avenue NE. She needed some work, as well, and these two trusting souls never gave up on her (see page 38)! True love prevails again. And, on that note, I hope love finds you in 2015, in whatever form it appears, and that you revel in its splendor. You deserve it. And then pass it on! ADVERTISE Jen in the JOURNAL Correction: Curtis Graham was the Director (as well as the Director of Photography) for his film Olobiri featured in the Nov/Dec Northeast Journal. Contact Susan at 727. 259.3149 or northeastjournal ortheast ournal WRITERS @gmail.com N J John Gee Barbara Marshall is published bimonthly by Bob Griendling Will Michaels ASL Media, Inc., St. Petersburg FL Mary Hamilton Betty Jean Miller www.northeastjournal.org Marcia Heath Susan Rebillot PUBLISHER Sara Hopkins David H. Smith, Ph.D. Jennifer MacMillen Gina Longino (802) 698-8184, (888) 868-7192 [email protected] PHOTOGRAPHERS Susan Alderson Gina Longino ADVERTISING Rick Carson Susan Seta (727) 259-3149 SPECIAL THANKS [email protected] Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association; Rick Carson, editor EDITORIAL Susan Woods Alderson Snell Isle Property Owners Association Content Manager/Photographer Jamie Mayo, distribution [email protected] PRINTED BY Julie L. Johnston, Copy Editor Chromatech Printing, St. Petersburg FL Eco-friendly printing with soy ink on ART DIRECTOR/PRODUCTION post-consumer recycled paper Julie L. Johnston, Ad Design/Layout [email protected] Find us at www.northeastjournal.org DISTRIBUTION Jamie Mayo, Distribution/Subscription Mgr [email protected] The Northeast Journal is an independently owned publication. Copyright © 2015. All rights reserved. No part of this paper may be reproduced without express written permission from the publisher.
TURNKEY WATERFRONT ESTATE 372’ OF WATER FRONTAGE
BEST BUY ON OPEN WATER OPEN TAMPA BAY
ELEGANT WATERFRONT DEEP PROTECTED WATER
COFFEE POT BAYOU STUNNING WATERFRONT VIEWS OPEN TAMPA BAY OPEN WATER, PROTECTED BAYOU
VINOY GOLF COURSE VIEWS GORGEOUS & COMPLETELY REDONE Page 8 January/February 2015 NORTHEAST JOURNAL
JOURNAL ENTRY Spas into misery because of the whims of Since our downtown move, my wife wanted. The story was the same but with some demented tyrant with an inferiority and I have seen the arrival of numerous the added fact that even children were complex, but we do have our own share spas. I did understand the concept of encouraged to join in on the experience. of modern day problems that can turn these places but knew little about what I am not so sure it is a good idea to offer us into a shivering wreck. Errant goes on inside them, so I decided to take such high expectations to the innocent. children, nutty families, reality TV, a fact finding tour. Here is what I saw: They also introduced me to a concept clueless bosses, uncaring spouses, the The first place on my itinerary was a called the “vampire facial” and I could internet, politics, and unreliable spa whose advertising begged me to enter easily have gone through life without finances can drive anyone over the edge, and be pampered. I entered and felt as ever knowing about this gruesome and there comes a time when just a little welcomed as a case of toenail fungus and procedure. Look it up if you dare. bit of pampering is all we need to put was told by the manager that they were Spas have been around forever. The things back into proper perspective. too busy to talk. The absence of any ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Babylo- My mother suffered through a lot in customers confused me and I guessed nians, Romans, Chinese, and even the her life, not the least of which was they must have adhered to an unfamiliar barbarians from the north all recognized raising two boys born 18 months apart business philosophy. The second spa I the benefits of taking a break and sitting while married to a man who believed visited offered me a totally opposite naked in a hot spring. Throughout the that childcare was a woman’s responsi- experience. The two gracious ladies ages, people have always wanted to be bility. Looking back at those days, I behind the counter explained to me that massaged, rubbed with oils and perfume, know why she looked so conflicted spas offer a quiet place where customers John Gee when my brother and I returned from (mostly female) can enjoy all the soaked in a warm bath, and just be ife was never designed to be easy, school or summer camp. Back then, she massages, facials, cosmetics, manicures, primped and pampered. Twenty-first and in the course of a lifetime, we lived in a different America where there pedicures, and cucumber eye patches century America is no different and spas Lsuffer through many slings and were few outlets available to receive they want in peaceful and non-judge- continue to pop up everywhere. For arrows that can wear anyone out. Things some gentle pampering from strangers mental surroundings where any outside some odd American reason, spas remain nowadays are somewhat better than in to rejuvenate her spirits. Too bad for her ugliness cannot intrude. They make no mostly a female experience, but in other the old days of killing our own food that she didn’t live in these modern miracle medical claims and offer no countries spas are highly regarded by while fighting off the occasional days, because today the only problem in promises of lasting effects; they just both sexes and the services are equally saber-toothed tiger, but life still can get seeking that “spa experience” is having provide an oasis of tranquility and beauty enjoyed. So, some day when life has desperate at times. We don’t have to to choose from the thousands of spas in a mad-mad world. My final desti- worn you down, take a break from daily worry about the vandals storming over dedicated to offering people a calm nation was a large franchise spa, and life, find a spa, and give yourself a treat. the horizon, or having our lives turned respite from life. again, I was welcomed to ask anything I You deserve it. n THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING
A NEW ERA IN DOWNTOWN ST. PETERSBURG
ONE St. Petersburg is your chance to be part of a bold new vision for contemporary downtown living, with panoramic views and endless possibilities in every direction. One city block. 41 stories. 253 luxury condominium residences. 174 hotel rooms. A new destination for shopping, dining and more.
Luxury Tower Residences From the $500s to over $1Million
BE ONE OF THE FIRST. REGISTER NOW AT ONESTPETERSBURG.COM OR CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT 7272403840
RESIDENCES | HOTEL | RETAIL
VISIT OUR SALES GALLERY TODAY! Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm | Sunday 12pm - 5pm 727-240-3840 | 100 1ST AVENUE NORTH | ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33701
BROKER PARTICIPATION WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE SELLER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A SELLER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. This project has been fi led in the state of Florida and no other state. This is not an off er to sell or solicitation of off ers to buy the condominium units in states where such off er or solicitation cannot be made. Prices and availability are subject to change at any time without notice Page 10 January/February 2015 NORTHEAST JOURNAL
ARTIST PROFILE The Boundless Skills and Imagination of Neverne Covington
Marcia Heath
nyone who complains that the art world can be self-absorbed or elitist would do well to Aget acquainted with Neverne Covington. Art critics praise her technical mastery and ease across an astonishing variety of media – everything from big canvases of teeming Florida riverscapes to anatomically correct charcoal drawings and accordion-style artist books crafted from rusted ceiling tiles and leather scraps. Luckily, you don’t need an art degree to love her art. Looking at Covington’s work, you instinctively lean in and look closer to unwrap the mysteries inside. As one arts reviewer wrote, “It’s like entering a revelatory maze.” Covington and her husband, who designs and remodels custom homes, live in the Old Northeast bungalow they transformed from a derelict flop house true inspiration comes from a preconscious world – a into a haven that’s part living space and part private place that’s unknowable. The objects I paint or draw gallery. Everywhere you look you can see her works seem to find me and mysteriously guide the creative artfully displayed. When I sat down with her for this process. That’s what happened with my 11-foot “Big interview, she spoke openly about her life as an artist. Sky” painting. It wasn’t working for some reason, so I Covington has little patience for “art talk,” and she put the canvas away for a long time – 18 years to be doesn’t like to work at home. “I’ve always had precise. When I finally returned to it, I saw the painting downtown studios that I can walk to,” she explained. with a new set of eyes and a renewed sense of wonder.
“I need the psychological and physical separation.” How do you get started with a new piece? Do you remember the first drawing you I air draw – you know, like playing the air guitar. ever made? I’ll take a blank sheet of paper and move my hand If my mother is to be believed, I was sitting in my over it. The physical movement apparently activates high chair. She gave me a crayon to keep me quiet, the limbic system and the hypothalamus. (That’s the and I drew a perfect safety pin. I was 18 months old. science geek in me speaking.) Lately, I’ll do thumb- My parents had 7th- and 10th-grade educations – my nails, small studies. They are so loose that they make father was a butcher and my mother a waitress – and sense only to me. they saw very early how I could draw. Between them What’s the difference between your they had five marriages, but they were unified on one commercial work and fine art? point: Figure out how to do something you love, and Well, one makes money and other costs money to make it work because no one can ever take that away make (laughs). I was a single mother for many years, from you. I was lucky. I never had to figure out my and I had to diversify to support my son. And, much identity. I have always been able to draw what I see as I like to work alone, I’ve enjoyed the process of around me. My struggle has been making money collaborating with skilled art directors, editors, and doing what I love. authors who understand my skills and imagination. Tell us more about your childhood. It’s given me a way to practice and refine my craft. I’m a proud middle child. That’s good for an artist. As a middle child, you’re always looking from the outside in with a big point of view. Most artists I know have elastic imaginations. They can see an everyday object, and it will morph into the idea for their next work.
What are your influences? I’ve made a lifelong study of Buddhism, and it has influenced my work tremendously. I’m fascinated by the themes of control and spontaneity... black and light... the transient and the external. I believe that NORTHEAST JOURNAL January/February 2015 Page 11
Where can people see your work? Look inside your refrigerator! I’ve done illustrations – of hummus, peppers, carrots, all sorts of vegetables – for the General Mills “Food Should Taste Good” brand and for Fresh Express salads. I’m working on my seventh tomato label for Muir Glen Organics. Edy’s sherbet was another fun project. People are interested to hear that artists draw the labels you see on household brands – I guess they think it’s all done by machines. Two of my big paintings are on display in the main terminal of Tampa Inter- national Airport on the walkway to the Marriott Hotel. At Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, you can’t miss my 20-foot mural of fruits and vegetables at the entrance to the hospital cafeteria. (It happens to have good food.) In addition to special exhibitions, I have a permanent collection at my husband’s showroom, Strobel Design Build, in the St. Petersburg Warehouse Arts District.
What are the most surprising comments you’ve heard about your work? That I should see a psychiatrist (laughs). Or that they really like my art, but no way could they live with it in their homes. That really annoys me. There’s always an undercurrent of humor, sometimes a little wicked, in what I do.
What do you wish more people recognized about you and your art? That, at its root, my art is about kindness and compassion. The ground can go out from under you when you try to put into words what a particular piece means. Art is not a verbal language, and everyone responds differently. Even I don’t have a clue what my work is about until six months after it’s done. People ask me all the time, “What’s this piece about?” And I say, “Why don’t you ask it?”
You’ve been an adjunct faculty member at the Ringling College of Art & Design, Eckerd College, and other schools. You also teach at the Morean Arts Center. What attracts you to teaching? I never set out to teach. As the expression goes, a cat finds you, you don’t find a cat. But I learn a lot from my students, and they learn from each other. It’s a symbiotic process. I watch how one student paints in one long brush stroke. Other students use shorter strokes, and blend and blend. They’re all resourceful. My students taught me about putting oil paints in pill boxes and storing them in the freezer to keep them fresh. My students at the Morean Arts Center are diverse – and very dedicated. One’s from Mumbai. Another was head of HR for a media company. We have a retired Episcopal priest and a refugee from Eastern Europe. I teach acrylic, oil, and watercolor in the same class, and 70% of the students travel to the Morean from Tampa. There’s nothing like it there.
About Neverne Neverne Covington’s drawings, prints, paintings, and sculpture explore childhood, language, landscape, and the Gothic South. Her work has been exhibited at the Tampa Museum of Art, the Brevard Museum of Art, the State Capital, and various venues throughout Florida and at the Museum of the South in Alabama. She is the recipient of three artist endowment grants from the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs and an artist resource grant from the Pinellas County Arts Council. Covington was born in Laurelton, New York, grew up in Florida, and attended City & Guilds College in London, England. During this time, she also lived in the William Morris House in London, England. She graduated from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. She has illustrated books for Random House, Penguin Putnam, The Harvard Commons Press, and Zondervan Publishing. Her paintings have appeared on book covers published by Simon & Schuster, Avon Books, Houghton Mifflin, and many other publishers. She has art in both public and private collections. Covington has been an adjunct faculty member at Ringling College of Art & Design, Eckerd College, and the International Academy of Merchandising and Design. She has maintained a downtown studio in St. Petersburg for more than 25 years. n
Marcia Heath served as executive editor, writer, and publicist at Harcourt Brace, Pocket Books, and G.P. Putnam’s Sons. At News Group Productions, a Rupert Murdoch venture, she wrote and pitched movie treatments for the major Hollywood studios. Most recently, she has held senior positions in marketing, branding and strategic planning at the University of Colorado Business School in Denver and Paradigm Learning in St. Petersburg. In addition to her freelance work as a writer, editor, and marketing coach, Heath is a trained facilitator specializing in consensus-building board retreats. She’s a trustee of The Florida Orchestra, where she chairs the Marketing Committee. Of all the places she’s lived, in the United States and overseas, she likes St. Petersburg the best. Page 12 January/February 2015 NORTHEAST JOURNAL
MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR To be considered for the Meet Your Neighbor page, you may contact Susan Alderson at [email protected].
Kate Dennis Susan Kroupa Leary Rebillot 17th Avenue NE Carolina Circle NE 13th Avenue NE
If you had your own talk show, who would be your If you had your own talk show, who would be your If you had your own talk show, who would be your first three guests? Jimmy Carter, Jimmy Fallon, and first three guests? The premier of the Dennis first three guests? Hillary Clinton, and Paul David my film critic friend, Jason Bailey Show would feature guests Dennis Miller, Dennis Hewson (Bono), and we would talk about practical Quaid, and of course the other Denis Leary. The solutions to global problems. And Jimmy Fallon Your favorite unusual food combination is? show would probably be good for two episodes tops. for laughter! Sauerkraut and ketchup. But only Heinz ketchup. Ketchup lovers understand choices. Your favorite unusual food combination is? Your favorite unusual food combination is? Diced Hot sauce on virtually anything dried apricots soaked in brandy, in Thanksgiving Favorite quote: “Carpe Diem” Day Dressing Favorite quote: “For God so loved the world that he If you could be invisible for one day, where would gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes Favorite quote: It always seems impossible until it you be? I’d prefer to go back in time for a day. I’d in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” is done. Nelson Mandela love to be back in the ships where my ancestors The Apostle John (John 3:16) immigrated to the U.S. If you could be invisible for one day, where would If you could be invisible for one day, where would you be? In the West Wing of the White House If you were stranded on a deserted island with one you be? Probably in the dark or a thick fog... book, what would it be? Any Diana Gabaldon If you were stranded on a deserted island with one book. I’m a sucker for any series book that is If you were stranded on a deserted island with one book, what would it be? historical fiction. book, what would it be? The Bible. If I could bring Any novel by Charles Dickens a second it would be Deserted Island Survival for You have to wear a t-shirt with one word on it for You have to wear a t-shirt with one word on it for Dummies. the rest of your life. Which word do you choose? the rest of your life. Which word do you choose? Enjoy You have to wear a t-shirt with one word on it for Compassion the rest of your life. Which word do you choose? What Disney character would you be and why? What Disney character would you be and why? Surprise! I prefer Hanna Barbera and I’d be Huckleberry Belle, in Beauty and the Beast, because she was Hound. He is happy, smiley and someone who What Disney character would you be and why? kind, tolerant, and compassionate. wants everyone to get along. Goofy, it would be second nature to stay in Would you rather plan a party or attend one? character. Would you rather plan a party or attend one? Plan. Plan a party! I love to have people over to visit Would you rather plan a party or attend one? Tell about a collection you have now. I have a and enjoy food. Attend. My wife is the planner. wonderful cookbook collection that is always Tell about a collection you have now. The only thing Tell about a collection you have. My wife and I spilling off of the shelves! I have collected is books from art museums or cities have a sizable collection of children, 7 at last What is your first thought in the morning? I have visited, journals I’ve written while traveling, count. It is an expensive collection to maintain Which route to take for my morning walk, and and travel pictures. I’m not a collector. Having and we have run out of places to put them. then what will I cook today! collapsed a number of relatives’ estates, I realize that If you could erase one day in history, which would is not useful to keep postcards, birthday cards, and If you could erase one day in history, which would it it be? January 22, 1973. The date the Supreme be? The day of the assassination of John F. Kennedy letters. Unless you are someone like J.D. Salinger. Court decided Roe v. Wade. More than 50 million What is your first thought in the morning? innocent lives have been ended since. What song most describes your life right now? News and caffeine Given the politics of today, Imagine by John What song most describes your life right now? Lennon is one that I love. If you could erase one day in history, which would Time of my Life from the Dirty Dancing Soundtrack it be? The day that the NYC World Trade Center What is your biggest fear or phobia? Let’s see, a bad What is your biggest fear or phobia? Losing one of Twin Towers were destroyed. haircut versus having a debilitating illness and no my children in a crowded place, again. access to ending my life on my own terms... What song most describes your life right now? What is your favorite smell? My wife’s neck He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother What is your favorite smell? The aroma of chickens If you were elected mayor of this city, what would be roasting in the street markets of Paris! What is your biggest fear or phobia? Flying, heights, your first improvement? I would improve our speed, bridges. But it does not keep me from doing If you were elected mayor of this city, what would be chances of keeping the Rays by making them a your first improvement? I would move the PSTA hub anything that involves these. Fears and phobias stadium offer they couldn’t refuse. restrict life. from Williams Park and enhance that historic park What is your favorite restaurant? El Gallo Grande, for residents and visitors to enjoy on a daily basis. What is your favorite smell? Cut alfalfa fantastic, authentic Mexican food What is your favorite restaurant? For special If you were elected mayor of this city, what would Downton Abbey, House of Cards or neither? House occasions, Marchand’s at the Vinoy; for more be your first improvement? Improved public of Cards is great. Psyched for Season 3 in February. frequent dining, Annata. transportation Name a favorite sound, past or present? Downton Abbey, House of Cards or neither? What is your favorite restaurant? Paciugos for My wife asking, “Honey, are you coming to bed?” Downton Abbey gelato. Otherwise, Parkshore Grill on Beach Drive (Present, thankfully) for good food. Frescos for atmosphere. Name a favorite sound, past or present? What do you love most about living in this country? Orchestral music Downton Abbey, House of Cards or neither? Our many freedoms that we are incredibly blessed What do you love most about living in this country? Downton Abbey. I was a big Upstairs Downstairs fan. to have. Diversity of people, cultures, and beliefs, and Name a favorite sound, past or present? tolerance for diversity If you could have one super human power, what A chorus of singers, working out 4 part harmonies would it be? If you could have one super human power, what What do you love most about living in this country? Mind reading would be pretty handy though I would it be? We live a rich lifestyle for pennies. would settle for being able to dunk a basketball. I would simply love to have perfect vision!
Page 14 January/February 2015 NORTHEAST JOURNAL
Betty Jean Miller then she would cook them when she retirement hobby. Mrs. Rutland would got home. look over that park from her kitchen Hoe, Hoe, Hoe! That was then. This is now, and Mrs. window and think how much she would Ardith Rutland is Still At It! Rutland’s parents, Grace and Thomas enjoy putting some plantings on its rdith Rutland’s green thumb Clark, and grandfather Alfred Clark are corners. She called the City Parks first sprouted when she was five long gone, as are her brother and sister. Department, and was given permission Aor six years old. But the interest in gardening endures. to do so. A combination of purples and “I helped my father in the yard when Fourteen years ago, by then greens, combined with small Cootie I was very young,” says the Clearwater widowed, she built a home on Coffee palms, now brightens its perimeter. She native. “I had to learn the weeds from Pot Riviera on Snell Isle which monitors it, watching to see what has the plants.” overlooks a little triangular city-owned too much shade and what just doesn’t They were then living on Clearwater piece of land called Pete’s Park. like the location. Bay with acreage that included every Oak-shaded, with benches and some This is not the first time Ardith kind of citrus tree, as well as papayas statuary, it was lovingly named after the Rutland has added landscaping to and bananas. “We had chickens and late Pete Christian, a neighbor who public property. She planted oaks and probably ate seafood three or four times enjoyed puttering in the park as a palm trees near her former home in a week,” she recalls. “Then the war south St. Petersburg. (World War II) came along, and my As for her other gardening ventures, father thought we ought to move closer her home has a lush variety of crotons, to town because of gas rationing.” potocarpus, cedars, cyprus trees and Their next home was on Druid Road Palatka holly. off Gulf to Bay Boulevard. “It had a And then there were the ventures huge empty lot and that was our victory that were not so successful. Like the garden. Anything you could grow, we time she planted a beautiful vegetable grew. We had cabbage, carrots, potatoes, garden on the Rutland Ranch in radishes, two or three kinds of tomatoes, Manatee County, and the chickens cow peas. My grandparents had a dairy flew over the fence and ate everything (Oak Grove Dairy) in Clearwater, so but the onions. we had all the fertilizer we needed.” But she has enjoyed it all, and wishes Mrs. Rutland not only helped with more people felt the same way. the gardening, but learned how to “Times have changed,” she says, prepare the vegetables by the time she wistfully. “People don’t care about was in fourth grade. “My mother was gardening anymore.” working, and she was worried about me Well, we in the Old Northeast cooking on the gas stove, so I would admire her green thumb, and thank her just get all the vegetables ready and for beautifying the neighborhood. n
Page 16 January/February 2015 NORTHEAST JOURNAL
and are touched in ways so something and sporting events, especially Rays shifts inside you. Somewhat the same baseball. way, she likes to travel the world, as a There is an open invitation to all lifelong learner immersed in the culture to stop by and relax on their red front and rhythm of a place. She admits she’s yard Adirondack chairs. The chairs – awestruck by this beautiful, bizarre like both Ciccarellos – have survived world we live in and loves the planet. many a move and once in their spot She is currently querying literary give that safe and familiar comfort. agents for representation for her first Carol and Art are both hoping that St. novel and doing research while writing Petersburg and the ONE will be their her second. A poem inspired by dawn final stop in finding “home,” and they at the Bay was published in The Wayfarer thank each and every person they have journal (thewayfarer.homebound met who has made this move an easy No Strangers Here, Just publications.com/store/issues/the-wayfarer- one. Carol threatens she may have to Friends Who Haven’t Met Yet! vol-3-iss-2/). For more about Heloise revert back to her teenage defiance if Barbara Marshall and her first novel, Flight, check out it ever appears a move away from St. www.heloisejones.com. Petersburg is a possibility! his is another installment shining the spotlight on some When Carol Ciccarello (14th Tof our wonderfully diverse and Avenue NE) first moved out of her widely interesting friends and neighbors childhood home in Portland, IN, little here in the Old Northeast. Know an did she know that her lifelong history Old NE neighbor who has (or has had) of moving had just begun. Being a a fascinating career, achieved a typical teen, she was devastated and fought her parents. All of her friends remarkable milestone, embarked upon were staying in their same houses and a wondrous journey, done something that is what she wanted: the comfort of deliciously wacky? Let us know being in a familiar and safe environment. ([email protected]) and maybe we In adulthood, she soon realized that can feature them in a future installment. flexibility is key to working through Bob and Jenni Lockwood (14th life’s challenges. Being able to organize Avenue NE) moved to St. Petersburg well also became a valuable skill as she after 35 years of raising a family in began the first of an eventual 25 moves Sophia Wisniewska (8th Avenue Oregon. They are civil rights activists to date – career changes, job moves, NE) currently serves as regional who met while working at the Metro- and family needs took charge! Although chancellor of the University of South politan Public Defender Services in her daughter – now a writer, mother Florida/St. Petersburg. Before arriving Portland. Bob is a graduate of Kalamazoo and spouse in Hong Kong – survived a here she was firmly planted in Pennsyl- College, University of Michigan, and dozen of those moves, she might argue vania. Prior to USF/SP she had been at Oregon Law, and was actively involved that there should be a maximum- Penn State/Brandywine where she was in civil rights protests and mental allowable moving clause that comes chancellor for eight years. That was along with your birth certificate! On health reform crusades in the 1960s and preceded by six years at Temple the good side of moving, they experi- 1970s. Jenni is a Wellesley College University as dean and campus executive enced designing a unique home from alumna with an MSW and a background officer of Temple University/Ambler. penciled ideas on a napkin, to becoming in mental health advocacy. Currently, She also taught Russian language and a home-show winner, and have Bob teaches at Portland State University literature at Bryn Mawr College. remodeled enough homes to make and also monitors their athletic Sophia grew up in a tiny village in (3rd Street N) moved their 1940s ONE cottage needs not too Poland about 100 miles east of Warsaw. Heloise Jones program. He will teach online from to The Old Northeast with her husband overwhelming. They have met In 1962, she emigrated with her family their new home in St. Pete. Jenni is a Art this past January after two decades wonderful people, developed lifelong to the United States and to Phila- member of the International Taoist Tai in the mountains of New Mexico and friends and explored many states: delphia, where she spent most of her Chi Society and can be found dashing North Carolina. Loving tea and birds Indiana, Missouri, Texas, Georgia, life. A graduate of the Philadelphia through Crescent Lake Park to the local (think Hooker Tea and the Bay), a Kentucky, North Carolina and finally High School for Girls (Girls’ High), branch center in the early morning. lifestyle that invites walks and Florida – which was the best and saved she earned a bachelor’s degree from The Lockwoods are sports fanatics community, and a culture that appre- until last. Florida was the only “chosen” Penn State and a Ph.D. from Bryn ciates the arts, St. Petersburg is a perfect and look forward to cheering on the move that she and husband Vince have Mawr College. home for her. Rays and the Rowdies. Their son Bert made, and St. Petersburg and the ONE An avid walker, Sophia claims to Heloise jokes she’s a renaissance spent his high school years at the IMG were a lifestyle destination – her walk for all kinds of reasons: enjoyment, woman. She’s traveled many paths from Soccer Academy, and is a graduate of happiest move yet! healing, adventure. Most recently, she corporate advertising account manager Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School in Before starting a new position as walked with a friend across Pennsyl- to micro-brewery owner to clay artist... Bradenton. Their daughter Robin was Lifestyle Director within Residential vania, from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia. with creating, connection, and a good the 2002 captain of the Radcliffe Light- Services at Westminster Palms She reports that the walk – which deal of project management at the core weight Crew, and their son Stephen Continuing Care Retirement covered nearly 300 miles, 15 days, three of each role. Heloise has always been a rowed for McGill University in Community, she was an account rainstorms, four summits, and lots of lover of the language of life in stories Montreal. Bob anchored the Public executive with a Fortune 100 pharma- beautiful memories of towns, villages, and pictures, so now she’s a novelist and Defender slow-pitch softball team. ceutical company. She has happily murals, and people – was an amazing poet. For her, reading – and particularly Jenni needs no excuse to launch a kayak traded planes and cars for a few-block and fun experience. And the last steps writing – a novel is like living a good into Coffee Pot Bayou! They walk work commute. Vince continues to of the walk/run were up the steps of the life: you settle into the world, get to everywhere, recycle everything, and work in employee benefits, and they Philadelphia Art Museum – by the know folks, ride through their ups and love the upbeat cosmopolitan vibe of both share a love of walking and biking Rocky statue, of course (but which is downs, share their angst and triumphs, The Old Northeast. while also enjoying the beach, the arts, not the one pictured!). n EXQUISITE VIEWS
Immerse yourself in a private world of luxury and intrigue . A world full of splendor, set apart from the rest. beyond the extraordinary...
PREMIERSOTHEBYSREALTY.COM | 877.539.9865 Osprey, Florida | premiersir.com/id/U7715833
Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not limited to county records and the multiple listing service and it may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate. Page 18 January/February 2015 NORTHEAST JOURNAL
GOODNESS InDEED It Takes a Village to Build a Shed Gina M. Longino Tom Carpenter was a welder in the Vietnam War. and Duds on Fourth Street N. Her dad is a Vietnam He welded on an airstrip where, unbeknownst to Veteran and she has many veteran connections, and inally the season had changed in Florida! It was him, Agent Orange canisters had been buried. It said she knew a group who could help us build the crisp, sunny day in early November and I was Foutside enjoying the fresh air while building a wasn’t until around the year 2000 that he began to shed. After a few discussions, we decided to go to new shed in my backyard. My neighbor, Donna experience the effects of Agent Orange. Diabetes Lowe’s to see if they could give us a discount on a shed. Carpenter, was also out in her backyard and she came has taken one of his legs and he is chair-bound. He Since Veteran’s Day was coming up, we thought this to the fence to admire the large plastic shed I was now has wounds on his remaining leg and has other would be a wonderful thing to do for Tom and Donna. finishing up. We began chatting and she told me that health issues with his liver. His wife has health Phyllis and I were a little nervous as we entered she would like to get a plastic shed. Her old aluminum concerns of her own. the Lowe’s location on 22nd Avenue North, but we shed was damaged in a storm last year and had to be They are both very nice neighbors. After Donna were determined to make this happen. As if orches- taken down. The contents of said shed were piled on went back into the house I decided that I would get trated in heaven, the assistant store manager in
Sharing the work load Laying out shed pieces her pool deck and in her dining room. Her husband them a gift card to Lowe’s to put toward a new shed. charge of the shed department, Terrence Klock, was Tom had just returned from a stay at the VA hospital It was the least I could do for a man who had given so standing by the door. After explaining the reason we in Tampa. Donna began telling me about the much of his life to serve our country. But, then I were there, Terrence took us back to see the sheds he difficulties she was having in getting a nurse to come thought maybe others would want to contribute. I had available. I explained that I had $200 so far and out after his stay. He needed his wounds packed and wrote a status on my Facebook page describing my was trying to raise more funds. The plastic shed was redressed three times a week, and he hadn’t had a plan, and asked if any of my friends would like to over $600. Terrence said he would provide us the visit yet despite being home for two days already. I contribute so we could provide more funds for their shed at no cost! Phyllis and I could not believe what am a registered nurse, so I offered Donna that I could shed. A friend from Idaho sent me some money. But had just happened. We walked out of that store on come over to do the dressings if she didn’t hear from then I received a text message from my friend Phyllis cloud nine. We made arrangements to pick up the the home health nurse. Gagliardo. Phyllis lives on Snell Isle and owns Scrubs shed on Tuesday, November 11: Veteran’s Day. We NORTHEAST JOURNAL January/February 2015 Page 19 stopped by the Carpenter’s house to tell them what community.” This team of Ben, Jeff Goldberg, Jerry had happened. They did not know anything about Lavely, and Brian Weaver arrived with tools in hand the plan until this point. Donna began to cry as I told and got right to work. Donna and I pitched in as Tom her we had gotten a shed and the men to build it. looked on. The guys worked well together, clearing Thanks to my boyfriend, Keith Norris, and my debris from the yard and getting the shed up, all brother-in-law, Patrick Kelly, the shed was delivered within three hours. to the Carpenters on Veteran’s Day morning. I feel so fortunate to have been a part of this Fast forward to November 22, just a few days project, sandwiched fittingly between Veteran’s Day before Thanksgiving. The morning was overcast and and Thanksgiving. I am very grateful to all of our threatening to rain. Shortly after 9am, Ben Goettler, veterans and the sacrifices they have made on behalf
Gina Longino Jeff Goldberg, Jerry Lavely, Ben Goettler, Brian Weaver Tom and Donna Carpenter a veteran who lives in the Old Northeast, arrived at of us and our freedom. It saddens me to see the hoops Gina Longino, longtime resident of St. Petersburg, is a registered the Carpenter’s address. He had gathered a few men these men must jump through to get things that they nurse and children’s book author of the Livvie and Buggles to build the shed. These men – some veterans need, so I was glad all of this came together, and the series (www.livvieandbuggles.com) She is a single mother to four themselves and some just good souls – spend their Carpenters now have a new, clean, and sturdy place children and grandmother to three. She enjoys spending time with free time helping their fellow vets in need. Ben tells to store their belongings... and got the dining room family and friends, traveling throughout Europe and is currently me, “We just want them to feel a part of the back in time for Thanksgiving! n working on a B.A. in Italian at the University of South Florida. Page 20 January/February 2015 NORTHEAST JOURNAL
AROUND THE BLOCK ATTRACTIVE — Third Thursdays in the EDGE eginning Thursday, November 20th a new SENSIBLE angle on fun has come to the EDGE District. — BThird Thursdays in the EDGE has four LANDSCAPING playful parts. The EDGE District Market is central to the evening’s theme. Its family-friendly Call for Ideas and Free Estimate flair centers in the area around Red Mesa Mercado, Amsterdam and the Green Bench. The flatwoodslandscaping.com market is open 4-9pm and features live music, 727-278-6811 arts and crafts, food, vendors, and fun for all ages. Shoppers enjoy the Stop & Shop line-up with + Save Time and Money, 12 shops open evening until 9pm with sales and and Enjoy Your Yard With specials unique to Third Thursdays. Enjoy the New Low-maintenance Landscaping, Tag & Bag option at retailers that lets customers Walkways, Patios and Lighting browse, buy, and come back later to pick up their –––––––––––––– Tagged and Bagged items. Serving Pinellas County Since 1983 For Date Night, local restaurants and –––––––––––––– businesses are teaming up for prix fixe menus and Florida Native Plant Society engaging date night options like live music, Award Winner dancing, painting, fashion shows, art openings, mixers, and more. SPECIALIZING IN: Native Plants • Xeriscaping • Low-voltage lighting • Drip irrigation And then there’s the EDGE Pub Crawl. Designed in three parts, you and friends can choose a Happy Hour, Early Night, Late Evening, or Combo Crawl. Over a dozen unique places ST. PETERSBURG CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, INC. are taking part, and the $5 Pub Crawl donation 6333 NINTH AVENUE N. gets you specials at all of them. Live music, DJs, dancing, pool tables, darts, cornhole, Jenga, ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33710 trivia, food, and lots more. It’s less about drinking and more about being social while enjoying friends, fun, and entertainment. College Prep High School So... a market, date night, the stop & shop Grades 9-12 retails, plus a pub crawl? Plus street performers up Faith-Based Values and down Central Avenue? Jugglers, face painters, magicians, musicians, and more join in each Dedicated, Caring Teachers Third Thursday in the EDGE. Come on out! Strong Academic Program * * * * * Advanced Placement, Honors, Grand Central District Businesses and Dual-Enrollment Courses Celebrate “Grandiversary” Proven Student Success: ACT and SAT mean scores above both the state and national Block Party Combines One-Year Anniversary levels.Millions of dollars awarded in college scholarships to graduates each year. College of Multiple Businesses acceptances to top universities, including the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the he businesses of the 2400 block of Central U.S. Naval Academy, the University of Notre Dame, Florida State University, and many more. Avenue in the Grand Central District are Scholarships and Financial Assistance are available. Tcoming together to celebrate their Last year alone a total of over $700,000 in financial aid was awarded. one-year anniversaries! The “Grandiversary Block Party” will take place on Saturday, January For additional information or to take a tour of our campus, 10th from 3 to 9pm. contact [email protected], or call 727-344-4065 There will be live music at three stages, featuring Jun Bustamante, Greymarket, Kyle Chason and the Swindlin’ Hearts, Meg Shannon, Kristan Bright & Tom Kersey, Mave’s Arcade, and more. Local vendors will be on hand selling goodies and other crafts, and the event will also include “Beer Central” at Community Cafe and The Cigar Loft. Come say “happy birthday” to Community Cafe, Shannon’s Web, Butler’s Old Key West Bay & Grill, and Planet Retro. Other partici- pating 2400 block businesses include No Contract Wireless, Your Neighborhood Realty, Michael Thomas Interiors, Grand Central Stained Glass & Graphics, and The Cigar Loft. All are also welcome to wish Sly Bar a happy birthday at the Grandiversary after-party, at 2061 Central Avenue. There are limited vendor spaces still available for $20 each. Vendor applications are available at Community Café (2444 Central Avenue) or at www.communitycafestpete.com/ grandiversary. For more information, contact Mandy Keyes at (727) 222-6979 or communitycafestpete@ gmail.com. n NORTHEAST JOURNAL January/February 2015 Page 21
THE HEART GALLERY The mission of the Heart Gallery of Pinellas & Pasco is to provide an emotionally safe way to connect children with families through a traveling exhibit featuring the faces and stories of local foster children ready for adoption. For more information, please visit the website at www.heartgallerykids.org. DESTINY ZACHARY
The Rewards Are Many All American Boy Age: 15 Age: 14 All About Destiny: Requiring extensive care, Destiny has limited abilities to All About Zachary: connect with the outside world. Outgoing, adventurous, goal-oriented, athletic, Favorites: She’s all about the bass! friendly, and smart Her forever family: A family who can fill her life with love and laughter. Favorites: Garnet and Gold, Tigers, and county music singer/ songwriter Luke Bryan For Fun: Likes playing football, video games, and hanging out with his friends What he wants most: To be cared for and to be part of a loving and fun-loving family.
Please consider a donation. Click heartgallerykids.org, or mail to Heart Gallery of Pinellas & Pasco, 100 Second Avenue N, Suite 150, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
What Are Probiotics, and Why Are They Important? What are probiotics? Probiotics simply refer to the good bacteria that live inside the • The Standard American Diet (S.A.D) of processed, sterile food with few fresh vegetables human body. Approximately 100 trillion good bacteria live inside a healthy human being. and fruits does not support growth of these good bacteria that protect us from disease. The number of good bacteria in our GI tract should outnumber our own cells by a ratio • I recommend that everyone take a probiotic supplement for health promotion and disease of 10:1. These good bacteria serve a variety of functions to keep us healthy. prevention. For those with the above medical conditions, it is even more important.
What do probiotics do for us? What do you need to know before you buy probiotics? These bacteria actually support our health, serving a variety of functions including: I recommend taking a probiotic with at least 15 billion CFU (colony forming units), but I • Digestion of food and absorption of nutrients – poor digestion can be caused by usually recommend more for patients with health problems or those who have taken imbalance of gut bacteria, leading to bloating, abdominal pain, constipation repeated courses of antibiotics in the past. And contrary to popular belief, most yogurts and/or diarrhea. do not supply enough bacteria, and most of these yogurt brands contain added sugar, • Production of vitamins – certain vitamins are actually produced by the bacteria that additives, and preservatives. Other foods that contain probiotics are sauerkraut, kimchi, live in our gut. miso, and tempeh. Here are some tips to choosing quality probiotic supplements: • Immunity – 70% of our immune system resides in our gastrointestinal tract, in part • Look on the ingredient list and make sure that the bacteria has a code (made up of because these good bacteria provide a barrier to keep the bad guys out – bad guys letters and numbers) after the name. This means that the bacteria comes from a being infectious agents and also environmental triggers that can cause an immune source that has proven to be beneficial in human studies. reaction leading to inflammation and autoimmune disease. In addition, probiotics • To ensure the probiotics are effective, they should be either refrigerated or in a blister have even been shown in some studies to be effective in reducing the duration of pack or a sachet (pouch) so that they have minimal exposure to air, heat and light. colds, flu and intestinal infections. • Inflammation – good bacteria help reduce inflammation which is the common denominator in all of the diseases highlighted below.
Why do we need to take probiotics? • Good health starts in the gastrointestinal tract where these bacteria live. Because of all the important functions these tiny organisms provide, good bacteria plays a key role in our health. 200 Central Avenue, Suite 280 • Imbalance of gut bacteria has been linked to cancer, asthma, allergies, obesity, diabetes, autoimmune diseases and even brain, behavioral and emotional problems RobinsonMed.com like ADHD, autism, Alzheimer’s disease and depression. All of these diseases are on 727.329.8859 the rise. Page 22 January/February 2015 NORTHEAST JOURNAL
A BON VIVANT AND HIS MUSE Continued from page 1 wanted. But immediately he wanted much more. “I thought she was the most beautiful girl in the world,” Richard said. “I wasn’t about to let her get away.” It was the spring of 1940, well past Valentine’s Day, but Cupid had apparently scored a double bull’s eye, because she once said it was love at first sight for her, too, though it was almost too late. They both were to graduate in two weeks. Richard felt he had to move fast. He asked her for a date, but she had another that evening. He played his advantages. He had a car, so he suggested a ride the same afternoon and concocted his plan. “I had to figure a way to get that guy out of the picture, so while on the drive I pretended to get lost. By the time we got back, that Colgate student had tired of waiting on her,” and returned to his campus, never, apparently, to be seen again. Richard then took Maude out for the evening. Their love affair began that day, but Richard had made the most unforgivable error: he forgot his new-found love’s first name. “Maybe it was because I didn’t really like the name Maude,” he said. “All I could remember was that her last name had something to do with money.” So Maude Nickols forever became “Penny,” at least to him. She seemed to appreciate the affectionate name, but according to their son John, an artist in Buffalo, New York, she introduced herself to others as Maude. With graduation looming, their romance carried a certain urgency. They both were offered teaching jobs, but hers was in Lake George, New York, and his was in Greenwood, 300 miles away near the Pennsylvania border. They could only see each other on weekends. She would take the train to Syracuse, where he would pick her up after driving 130 miles from Greenwood. They would then drive the 40 miles to Oswego on the shores of Lake Ontario where Richard’s parents lived. “But we would write to each other every day,” Richard said, “until she said we were spending too much money on those 3-cent stamps. “She would remember all the details of those days. I wish she was here to tell you.” But she isn’t. Maude passed away this past spring at age 98. While Richard grasped life’s opportunities and loves to tell stories of his escapades (though keep in mind that often Maude was right there with him), he will admit, and their children will confirm, that life in the Montague house was tempered and enriched by Maude’s devotion to family. And her story is much different than his. Richard Montague reflects on the love of his life, his wife Maude, affectionately known as Penny Richard was a lucky child. He always had a few dollars in his pocket, earned by playing in dance bands. His father, an inventor and design engineer with the Diamond Match company, never lost his job during the Depression. Maude had a much tougher childhood. Her parents scratched out a living on a farm in Fabius, New York. Her mother died when Maude was just 6 years old. Her dad passed away when she was 10. She was the youngest of five children, and at first it fell to her 16-year-old sister Blanche to care for her siblings in the “Lee House” the community provided for them. But, soon each child was sent to live with other families. Maude’s foster parents were successful farmers. Though by all indications they were caring, they were strict. Dancing and music were sinful. She was not allowed to so much as cross her legs in public. They said she didn’t need an education. They raised her to be a farmer’s wife. She had a different plan. “She had to be a college woman,” said their son John. “And she had to marry a college man to get away from the farm.” Maude borrowed money to go to a two-year business school, then worked another couple of years to pay for her education degree at Syracuse, though she still had to borrow heavily from her church and her foster parents. They were willing to give her the money if she felt that strongly about an education, according to John, but she insisted on paying them back. So she knew the value of 3 cents. Richard and Maude married in 1941. She made her dress, as her first job before college was as a dress designer. In addition to Idaho, they lived in Ypsilanti, Michigan – at a boy scout camp with neither heat nor running water – while he worked on his master’s degree at Michigan State. They also lived in New Mexico, West Virginia, and eventually Tallahassee, where he earned his doctorate at Florida State – at her quiet insistence. “His conflict was that he was a concert pianist who wanted to be a cowboy,” said John, “but she made sure he got his degree.” Her children say that Maude provided the family’s firm foundation – and the ballast to Richard’s adventures. “She was quiet, even reserved,” said their daughter Cindy Montague, a landscape architect in Charleston, South Carolina. “But she ran the show from behind the scenes.” Maude kept the family books. Richard insisted on having his summer’s free for explorations, such as a 14-week horseback trip through the Rocky Mountains with his sons, or an 11,000-mile circumnavigation of the U.S. in the car with Cindy and Maude. After he retired, he and Maude travelled Europe extensively. NORTHEAST JOURNAL January/February 2015 Page 23
“Whenever he had an idea, he’d say to Mother, ‘Can you jiggle the books to make this happen?’” said their oldest son Steve, a classical music composer living in London. Richard was always ready for something new. Maude was cautious. But she gave her children the room to explore. “She was so supportive,” said Cindy. “I could do no wrong and I could tell her anything. She rarely scolded me. I got my confidence in life from her. She was my best friend.” In fact, Maude rarely scolded or criticized anyone. That was one thing Richard loved about her from the beginning. “She was so kind and nice to everyone,” he said... to him especially, and he was devoted to her. “I never heard my parents have a fight or raise their voices,” Steve said. “I grew up thinking that was the way all families were,” said Cindy. “If we disagreed about something,” Richard said, “and she could see that I was getting upset, she’d say, ‘Let’s talk about this tomorrow.’” After 74 years together, there is of course a little sadness when he talks of his Penny. A few months ago he could hardly say her name without shedding some tears. But today, her memory evokes more smiles and laughter, perhaps because they didn’t miss opportunities to revel in their relationship. One time after Richard retired 45 years ago and they had bought their house on the corner of 15th Avenue and Poplar St. in Old Northeast, Steve found them dancing in the kitchen. In later years, they would read their old love letters to each other. “I had quoted Shakespeare and written poetry,” Richard said. “Reading them again, I fell in love with me!” Earlier this year, after Maude spent time in the hospital, Richard said they knew they had little time left together, so they would lie in bed together holding each other. “We’d be as nice to each other as we were when we were dating. We’d love each other as much as we could. All through the day, we would give each other little kisses and hugs or hold hands, like teenagers. We wanted to end life just as we started out.” “I miss her.” His voice trails off. He smiles. n
Robert Griendling is a writer living in the Old Northeast neighborhood with his wife Karla. He also writes a bicycling column for the Tampa Bay Times. Page 24 January/February 2015 NORTHEAST JOURNAL
GREEN PAGE Center for Biological Diversity
Mary Hampton threatened by a Walmart developer in southern Florida; involved in litigation and settlement he Center for Biological Diversity, based in Tucson, Arizona, is a nonprofit to protect freshwater species in our springs in organization with approximately 800,000 members and online activists. It northern Florida; hosted a symposium to is known for its work protecting endangered species through legal action, T expand the range of the Florida panther. And scientific petitions, creative media, and grassroots activism. The Center has offices in New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, Oregon, Illinois, Minnesota, Alaska, prior to 2014, they got St. Petersburg, Gulfport, Vermont, Washington, D.C. and, of course... St. Petersburg, Florida! and Tampa to declare themselves Clean Air Cities; and litigated and settled to develop and Mission and History implement a recovery plan for coral. The Center for Biological Diversity believes that the welfare of human beings is deeply linked to nature, to the existence of a vast diversity of wild animals and Focus on St. Petersburg Projects plants. The organization works to secure a future for all species great and small With Potential for Protecting Wildlife hovering on the brink of extinction. Their strategies include using science, law, Jaclyn Lopez said, “The St. Pete City Council passed a resolution calling for and creative media, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters, and climate that the president and the EPA to take the lead in lowering greenhouse gas emissions species need to survive. in order to reduce the devastating effects of climate change.” (Source: www. Started in 1989, the Center for Biological Diversity has been top-ranked by biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2013/clean-air-cities-06-06-2013.html.) the American Institute of Philanthropy. It is no wonder it has earned so much Pinellas County is the most dense county in Florida, but St. Petersburg has done a praise. By its 25th year, the Center has protected more than 500 endangered species! remarkable job keeping green spaces green. It is currently undertaking a waterfront Jaclyn Lopez, Florida master plan planning process, that will hopefully continue to prioritize green spaces.” Director and Staff Where Can Children and Adults Go to Study Animals and Attorney Their Habitats Jaclyn Lopez is a Florida “One of my favorite places is Lassing Park at low tide. You can walk through native who resides in St. the shallows and see all kinds of critters. Boyd Hill is another place to take young Petersburg, Florida. She is the ones to see imperiled species up close, especially raptors and gopher tortoises,” Florida director and staff said Lopez. attorney for the Center for “The Center for Biological Diversity is currently working on creating a website Biological Diversity. Jaclyn for children. For older students (college age), I frequently guest lecture on a variety earned a Master of Laws degree of biodiversity-themed topics. Folks in St. Petersburg can contact me at 727-490- from the University of Florida, a Juris Doctor degree from the 9190 or [email protected]. I am happy to meet up with anyone in University of Denver, Sturm the downtown area,” said Lopez. College, and a Masters degree Attention-Getting Campaigns in Urban Planning from the The Center for Biological Diversity announced on October 31, 2014, its University of Arizona. Jaclyn recipient of the 8th Annual Rubber Dodo Award: the U.S. Department of Agricul- provided lots of information ture’s Wildlife Services, which has dramatically ramped up its notorious for this article and we appreciate it! wildlife-killing campaign across the U.S. That program has killed more than 2 Jaclyn coordinates various campaigns for the Center for Biological Diversity million native animals since 2013, a 30% increase over the previous year. Previous in the Southeast and the Caribbean, with focus on protecting imperiled species Rubber Dodo winners include the Koch brothers (2013), climate denier James and ecosystems. She has made presentations and written about numerous Endan- Inhofe (2012), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (2011), the former BP CEO Tony gered Species Act issues, as well as having taught courses on environmental law. Hayward (2010), Alaska Governor Sarah Palin (2008), and Interior Secretary Kierán Suckling, Dirk Kempthorne (2007). Founder and Executive More than 12,500 people cast their votes in this year’s Rubber Dodo contest. Director Other official nominees were Rep. Doc Hastings who pushed to erode the Kierán Suckling is the Endangered Species Act, pesticide maker Monsanto, and notorious Nevada founder and executive director rancher Cliven Bundy. (Source: www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_ of the Center for Biological releases/2014.) Diversity. He oversees the Another attention-getting campaign is the distribution of the Center for Center’s conservation and Biological Diversity Endangered Species condoms. Launched in 2009, the financial programs. He is the campaign began distributing hundreds of thousands of free condoms across the liaison between the Center U.S. The beautifully designed packages with their rhyming slogans are distributed and other environmental by a network of population volunteers across the country. You can sign up to groups. Kierán has authored receive a free monthly population and sustainability e-newsletter. scientific articles and critical essays on biodiversity issues. Membership in the Center for Biological Diversity may be arranged by sending The country’s most an email to [email protected]. Members receive a newsletter comprehensive endangered published in January, July, and November. species database was created Closing Thoughts by – you guessed it – Kierán Suckling! Jaclyn Lopez offered a special message to all of us when she said, “Florida is blessed Kierán told us, “Florida’s wildlife and wildlands are like no others in the United with bountiful natural beauty, plants, and animals, that live nowhere else on Earth. States... from migrating whales to cave-dwelling crayfish. Florida is a special place. “As Floridians, we have an obligation to protect and preserve these remarkable We are committed to keeping it that way.” resources. Our first priorities should be conserving what we have left and restoring Why Did the Center for Biological Diversity Come to St. what we’ve lost.” n Petersburg? Jaclyn Lopez told us, “We ultimately chose St. Petersburg because Florida rose Additional Resources: www.biologicaldiversity.org, www.biologicaldiversity.org/ to the top of our priorities in the southeast. St. Petersburg provides easy access to programs/public_lan, www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/mammals/Fl, www.biologicaldiversity. a number of important resources: excellent members, potential new members, org/campaigns/sea-level_rise/index.html. Video: JoelSartore.com “The Center: 25 Years of agency offices. Natural Marine Fisheries’ regional headquarters, U.S. Geological Saving Wildlife.” Survey, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and University of Mary Hampton is a retired educator who moved to Florida in 2007 from New York. Since arriving South Florida are all located in downtown St. Petersburg.” in Florida, she has been doing non-stop research into the topics of recycling and sustainability. She Accomplishments of 2014 has been on a quest to meet people who are interested and involved in these topics. She enjoys writing The Center for Biological Diversity was involved in the following activities about these topics, as well. To collaborate with Mary, contact her at [email protected]. and achievements in 2014: compelling actions to designate critical habitat for loggerhead sea turtles; releasing a report on the affect new boat docks have upon Correction: The photo subject in last issue’s Green Page was misidentified. Pictured was Corinna manatees; listed determinations and critical habitat for plants and butterflies Karish, library assistant II. THE AREA’S ONLY NEW MOVE-IN READY WATERFRONT CONDOMINIUMS DESIGNER MODELS NOW OPEN
Actual Images
Tour our Spectacular New Models and Waterfront Amenities Now is the time to experience the incomparable lifestyle that awaits you in this exquisite waterfront community on exclusive Snell Isle. Just moments from all the excitement of downtown St. Petersburg, these elegant tower and villa residences are move- in ready and awaiting your personal touch. Come select your luxurious new waterfront home this weekend. Don’t Miss This Opportunity To Secure Your Residence In St. Petersburg’s Premier New Waterfront Community
Two Exquisite Models Designed By World-Renowned, Decorators Unlimited • Spectacular Views Villas O er Private Courtyards and 2-Car Garage • Private Clubhouse & Fitness Center • Waterfront Pool, Palazzo, Terraced Garden and Fire Pit • Boat Slips & Adjoining SPYC Marina • Moments to Vinoy Golf Club Only 5 Villa Residences remain from the mid $400s Waterfront Condominiums from the $500s VISIT OUR SALES GALLERY TODAY! Weekdays: 10am - 5pm | Weekends: 12pm - 5pm | 1325 Snell Isle Boulevard NE | St. Petersburg, FL 33704 CALL 727-478-2060 | VISIT WWW.WATERCLUBLIVING.COM/SNELL-ISLE
BROKER PARTICIPATION WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE SELLER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A SELLER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. This project has been fi led in the state of Florida and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation cannot be made. Prices and availability are subject to change at any time without notice. Page 26 January/February 2015 NORTHEAST JOURNAL Annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Canterbury School Grateful students in PK3 through grade 4 will showed appreciation for their freedom this Veterans Day, just as they have for the past 12 years during this Flag ceremony at the Canterbury School of Florida. Each year students invite all veterans and active military personnel to this great American event. All local veterans were welcome. This year’s ceremony included special guest Florida Representative Jeff Brandes. The Prekindergarten presents retired flags to veterans from the local VFW while fourth grade students recite patriotic poems. The ceremony concludes with the “Parade of Armed Forces” where medleys of songs are played and a flag representing each military branch is walked around by the veterans and Lee Cox (Air Force) the children who support them. Canterbury children participating in Veterans Day ceremony Centerbury faculty and staff are the proud parents or spouses of more than 15 active duty members, not to mention the countless students who have family members overseas. Throughout the year, each lower school grade supports the troops through service projects that involve everything from writing poems to donating their Halloween candy to the troops in October.
Bob Reed (Navy, WWII), Dick Newton (Air Force, Korean and Viet Nam War) Dave Herzik (Army, Cold War/War on Terrorism) Applebee’s Thanks Veterans This past Veterans Day, November 11th, Applebee's continued a tradition they started six years ago of thanking our nation’s Veterans and active duty military by inviting them to their neighborhood Applebee's for a free thank-you meal. Applebee’s also encouraged guests to show their gratitude by leaving a message for current and former military members at ThankYouMovement.com And for the first time, visitors to the site could share the story of a veteran, active service member, or military family in need by describing their situation, including their service, and what household item might make their everyday life a little easier and more comfortable. Applebee’s said thank you by fulfilling some of those needs. n Robert Webel (Army, Cold War)
Bill Laurich (Army, Vietnam war), Craig Boggs (Navy, Vietnam war), and Morrie Clement (Army, WWII) Larry Wlasiuk (U.S. Marines, Vietnam War) NORTHEAST JOURNAL January/February 2015 Page 27
AROUND THE BLOCK
Historic Williams House The St. Petersburg Chapter, Colonial Dames XVII Century celebrated its 60th anniversary of its chartering this past November. One of the objectives of the Society is to aid in the preservation of the historic sites of our country. To that end, on November 15th, the Chapter placed a marker on the John C. and Sara Williams House. John Williams was co-founder of St. Petersburg. The Queen Anne style Mansion was built 1890-1891. The home was moved to the USF grounds in St. Petersburg in 1995. It was restored with support from the University (USFSP) and the Florida Bureau of Historic Preservation. After the marker was presented, participants had a moment to “Go Back in Time” as Sara Williams conducted a tour of the Williams House.
* * * * * St. Petersburg Unveils New Pier Design Concepts St. Petersburg’s world famous Pier has always been a landmark for the city and a gathering place for its citizens. Since 1989, several piers have graced St. Petersburg’s beautiful waterfront, including the instantly recognized inverted pyramid that opened its doors in 1973. As the city’s structure reaches the end of its useful life, the city eagerly awaits its eighth pier as a selection process unfolds. On Monday, December 15, the City of St. Petersburg unveiled eagerly awaited design concepts for the new city Pier. They were submitted by eight design teams shortlisted from 16 initial firms that had responded to the City’s RFQ. This follows six years of discussions and the selection and then rejection of a new pier design in 2011. Each team received a $30,000 stipend to submit initial design concepts, complete with reports, renderings, cost estimates and a description of how the programmatic elements meet the findings of the Pier Working Group, and work in concert with the Waterfront Master Plan. The concepts incorporate a variety of features, such as a waterfall, lagoons, and terraces. Of the eight submissions, six utilize the current inverted pyramid structure, while the others propose an entirely new shape for the city’s landmark. The concepts will undergo a technical review to reveal any issues with cost, construction or permitting. The public will then be invited to see the designs, hear from the design teams, and take a non-binding public survey, results of which will go to the Pier Selection Committee. The committee will then make it’s recommendation to the Mayor and City Council in March, 2015. It’s expected that a contract will be complete by late May, with ground- breaking in the fall of 2015. Images of the designs, brief descriptions and additional background infor- mation are available by going to www.newstpetepier.com website and downloading the images and information. Next steps include a technical review, that may eliminate any concepts that have unrealistic cost estimates and/or any insurmountable permitting or construction issues. A public survey will take place in late February/early March, followed by a ranking by the Selection Committee, who will then make their recommendation to the Mayor and City Council. January 16 - Technical analysis completed, including review of any permitting issues, operating cost review, construction concerns January 23 - Selection Committee meeting (potential shortlist) January 23 – February 23 – Public information/outreach February 11 & 12 - Public presentations by finalists (Coliseum) February 23 – March 6 - Public survey period (online) Early to mid-March – Survey outcome March 20 - Final selection and ranking by Selection Committee April 2 – City Council approval of ranking by Selection Committee Mid to late May – Final contract approved n Page 28 January/February 2015 NORTHEAST JOURNAL
PEOPLE AND PETS To submit photos or to be photographed, contact Susan Alderson. Photos by Susan Woods Alderson unless otherwise noted. Email your HIGH RES digital photo to [email protected]. Please include your name, address, phone number, and pet’s name.
Abel Carrasco and Bart Ada Hernandez and Lola Lucas Matos Hernadez and Waldo 19th Avenue NE 21st Avenue NE 21st Avenue NE
William Heol with Aspen and Chase Emily Quinlan with Alex and Arnetta Danielle Stalling and Suki 20th Avenue NE 1st Street NE 13th Avenue NE
Garry and Alice Tenney with Winslow Carolyn Meagher and Emma Fougeres and Mika Krista Lasalle and Dax 15th Avenue NE 20th Avenue NE Oak Street NE
Buy 10 Day Camp sessions 111 2nd Ave NE, Suite 113 and get the 11th FREE! St. Petersburg, Fl 33701 (Days must be purchased in one 727.755.PETS (7387) transaction to receive free day) petsinthecitystpete.com
10% off your pet’s first Free Dog and Cat Vaccines full grooming appointment! when your pet comes for a wellness exam! NORTHEAST JOURNAL January/February 2015 Page 29 Be a Paramour Dave Smith ebruary may be short on days, but it’s long on holidays. One website lists 58 in the 28 days. Lincoln and Washington get their days, along with the FGroundhog and the Chinese for their New Year, but there are others. Thank a Mailman Day, Lame-Duck Day, and Polar Bear Day seem okay for February, but Kite Flying Day seems misplaced. National Tooth Fairy Day repeats in August. That seems hardly fair. I’ll welcome Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day on the 7th, and Hoodie Hoo Day on the 20th, but I’ll skip Toothache Day on the 9th. Wave Your Finger at Your Neighbor Day demands caution, until I know just which finger is to be waved. The commercial biggie is Valentine’s Day when candy makers, florists, and card companies cash in. It seems odd that this day for lovers appears on the calendar well before the spring fertility rites with their eggs, bunnies, May baskets, and poles to dance around. You’d think they’d go together. The Feast of St. Valentine began to honor a priest martyr who apparently violated the Emperor’s order by marrying Christian soldiers, though the historical record lists other Valentines. Early Christians often set their celebrations at the time of pagan holidays. Romans celebrated Lupercalia in mid-February. It appar- ently had some connection to fertility, but Chaucer is credited with linking romantic love with Valentine’s Day in his Parlement of Foules in 1382. Today it’s a big deal for many of us. Last fall, a professor friend in San Diego invited my wife and me to teach his graduate seminar on Media and Society. We mentioned that we had first met almost sixty years ago to that day, and had been together ever since. When the professor asked the students for questions to begin the class, one asked, “How do you make a relationship last sixty years?” I tossed off a flip remark, but it does seem to me that young people especially are puzzled by such long-lasting love. Maybe I should’ve answered him by saying that the first thing is not to call it a relationship. Love affair seems much better to me. I’d rather be with a paramour than a significant other. And partner seems a better fit for a law firm or brokerage. Lover works. The Old Lady? Only in jest, and maybe not even then. Let’s Go! I have no great advice on keeping a love alive. My first thoughts seem simple: 1. Express your affection often, both in words and deeds. A simple “I love you,” an affectionate pat, or a surprise kiss can go a long way. Jimbo Gumbo in the © comic strip Rose Is Rose is a worthy model with his surprise love notes and St. Pete’s most reliable! sweep-her-off-her-feet kisses. 2. Courtesy matters. Treat your lover with kindness. Say nice things. “Thank you” Dog Walking & Petsitt ing is never wrong. “Please” is good. Hou se Check+ 3. Don’t deliberately hurt one another. When you know someone really well, you We offer many services that relieve your know what buttons to push. Don’t. stress and take care of things when 4. Do your job. No matter how the tasks of living together are parceled out, do you’re out. Whether it’s daily workday yours promptly and cheerfully. Be grateful for what your lover does. walks for Fido or keeping an eye on the 5. Think together, not apart. My pre-pill-age cohort married earlier and had more homestead in your absence. children than today’s youth. Our pop songs all seemed to feature being together Learn more online- forever. A professor I knew wrote a book on marriage in which she said people or call us any time. 727-483-4554 stay together as long as they each get more out of it than it cost them. I thought this economic metaphor unfortunate, but I know some folks see their more info: aWalk AroundTheBlock.com “relationship” in those terms. I believe my wife and I saw ourselves as forming a new unit. We tried to see things from our perspective as a couple, a family if you will. We tried to be together, to do things together, and to plan together. We made the big decisions together. Often that meant trying to do what the other wanted because that was important for togetherness. The expectation that if it doesn’t work out you can always get a divorce is unfortunate. I think getting married young helped us. In some ways we grew up together. We faced poverty together. We washed diapers out by hand because we couldn’t afford the laundromat. We shared a bath with two other apartments. Money problems do some couples in, but we learned to meet that stress, and our bond was stronger as a result. We had kids quickly, and they drew us together. We faced career issues together. There is a lot of variety in the way people live and love. Our pattern worked for us, but I suspect not for everyone. I fell for her because she was wonderful, and I was better when with her. She still is, and I still am. Happy Valentine’s Day, Sarah Jeane Smith, and to all. Dave Smith is a retired professor of communication and dean. In retirement, Dave (along with his wife, Sarah Jeanne Smith, a docent at The Chihuly Collection) has been part of the local community theatre scene as an actor, director, and playwright. He has written 54 plays, and has managed Actors2Go, a stage-reading company. Dave attempts humor in a monthly column for The Island Reporter under the pseudonym The Old Professor. Page 30 January/February 2015 NORTHEAST JOURNAL
DINING OUT NORTHEAST JOURNAL January/February 2015 Page 31
TO DO IN ST. PETE Page 32 January/February 2015 NORTHEAST JOURNAL
GOING TO THE DOGS IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL Continued from page 1 set out to refurbish vintage bungalows, cottages, and carriage houses in the neigh- borhoods, and turn them into charming rentals, each equipped, of course, with its own unique porch swing. Surprisingly, as a current owner of three dogs, Ann didn’t grow up with dogs. She had cats and birds, a parakeet that started talking in full sentences. She also owned some eccentric pets over the years, including a crafty raccoon which rose to infamy among her friends when the roast disappeared one night at a dinner party and he was caught with it, literally red-handed. But even that pet, odd though a raccoon may be, proved to be a great companion. All of these pets contributed to the type of loving and attentive owner Ann is today with her dogs. “Dogs can do amazing things to turn people around. Animals just have a way of relating to you,” Ann says with a smile. Ann tells a story of a friend of hers who also volunteered with a therapy dog and visited a nursing home. He met a woman who was quite frail and ill. He spent time with her, despite the staff’s insistence that she wasn’t long for this world and that he might be wasting his energy. The next day, she was still there. And the next. He continued to visit, and his dog was the highlight of her day. The staff noticed the drastic change in the woman’s attitude once the dog was introduced to her routine. She went to bed each night with something wonderful to look forward to, and whatever magic was there certainly worked: She lived months longer than expected. Ann aims to bring the same kind of joy and hope into as many people’s lives as she can, with the help of a very sweet dog. It emulates the kind of community fellowship she admires in the Old Northeast neighborhood – and she plans to the time cite their usefulness not only as great lap dogs, but also as lap warmers keep it alive and well. and flea attractors for comfort of their human companions. They are currently To become a volunteer at a local Ronald McDonald house, visit RMHCTam- the 18th most popular pure-breed in America. paBay.com. To learn about the process to train and certify a dog for therapeutic When her son Luke was six, Ann decided to get a dog. Luke’s only request at volunteering, visit ProjectPup.net. n the time was that it be a little dog with soft ears and a big tail. Ann did her homework diligently to find the right match. After researching different types of family dogs, Ann settled on the Cavalier Spaniel. In her research, she had also discovered their aptitude as therapy dogs. Ann’s first Cavalier Spaniel was black and white (unlike Lacie’s white and mahogany brown coat, called Blenheim coloring, which is named for the Blenheim estate of John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, who popularized the breed in the 1700s). Ann decided to have it trained as a therapy dog, just as Lacie would experience. A few weeks of training later, and of course, after many practical tests to qualify the dogs, Ann was ready to begin her volunteer work. “They have to pass all these tests to qualify,” Ann explains. “They have to avoid food, not be fazed by loud noises, other dogs, or any sudden movements or noises.” Ann finds solace and a great deal of perspective in her volunteering activities. “The situations some families are in provide so much perspective. It motivates me to find and make time even during the busiest weeks.” When not volunteering her time, Ann is busy with her boutique home rental Lacie shows off one of her many tricks: jumping through the hoop. business, Porch Swing. Inspired by the porch culture of the Old Northeast, Ann NORTHEAST JOURNAL January/February 2015 Page 33
AROUND THE BLOCK Fascinating Things To Do joins Mercy Hospital at the Johnnie Ruth Clarke Health Center, the Royal Theater Boys and Girls Club, and the renovated Manhattan Casino as evidence Attractions of the renaissance of this area along 22nd Street S. www.woodsonmuseum.org St. Petersburg’s brewing and craft beer scene is hopping, and Hop for Hops: or 727-323-1104. St. Petersburg breweries are an excellent spot to begin a Craft Beer Trail that Visit Outer Space: From September to May, gaze at the night sky in any can lead you throughout the county and Tampa Bay area. In St. Pete, new season or from any location on Earth during special presentations and viewings breweries include 3 Daughters Brewing, the Brewers’ Tasting Room, Cycle at the St. Petersburg College Planetarium, a star-theater under a 7.3-meter Brewing and Green Bench Brewing Co. But these flowing taps are just part of domed ceiling projection screen. www.spcollege.edu/spg/planetarium.htm or a craft and artisan beer scene that’s got the Sunshine City overflowing! 727-341-4320. Take a Walk of Fame: Visit the Tampa Bay Walk of Fame, located at the west side entrance to Tropicana Field. Here, dozens of sports legends who hail Arts, Events and Culture from the 11-county Tampa Bay metro area are recognized, including the late Take a Bow: World-renowned theatrical and national performing artists Tampa Bay Bucs great Lee Roy Selmon, baseball all-star Wade Boggs, Babe entertain at Mahaffey Theater, a part of the Progress Energy Center for the Zaharias, the greatest woman athlete of all time, and Olympic and world Arts. Each season the curtain rises on a wide variety of nationally-recognized champion swimmer Nicole Haislett. Free. artists, musical performers, and Broadway shows in this beautiful European-style Do the Deuces: During the jazz age, 22nd Street S., or “The Deuces,” was theater on the waterfront. www.themahaffey.com or 727-893-7832. the heart of St. Petersburg’s African American community, when jazz greats Get in the Act: American Stage performs highly acclaimed works each spring like Ella Fitzgerald or Duke Ellington played the Manhattan Casino. Today, the during its outdoor festival, American Stage in the Park, and from its intimate Manhattan Casino has re-opened, and includes the famous Sylvia’s of Harlem theater downtown, now part of at the St. Petersburg College downtown campus, Restaurant, serving up its legendary soul food. The Deuces also includes a www.americanstage.org or 727-823-PLAY. FreeFall Theatre presents a variety growing number of shops and restaurants, the Dr. Carter G. Woodson Museum, of bold, daring and diverse classical productions and new works from its theater and a new Sunday Market on the Deuces weekly from 1 to 6 p.m. on the corner complex in west St. Petersburg, www.freefalltheatre.com. The St. Petersburg City of 9th Ave. and 22nd St. S. Theater (formerly St. Pete Little Theater) presents an entertaining line-up of Museums diverse theatrical offerings (www.spcitytheatre.org or 727-866-1973). A Fasten Your Seat Belt: St. Petersburg is the birthplace of scheduled aviation. newcomer on the St. Petersburg stage, A Simple Theatre at Eckerd College great On January 1, 1914, pilot Tony Jannus flew the Benoist Airboat from St. theatre is rooted in the simplicity of compelling stories told by talented story- Petersburg to Tampa on the world’s first scheduled airline flight, transporting tellers. (www.asimpletheatre.org or 727-864-7811). St. Petersburg Mayor Abe Pheil and a bag of mail. View a full-scale, operational Hit a High Note: St. Petersburg Opera produces professional, fully-staged replica of the historic airboat at the St. Petersburg Museum of History’s Flight operas in the historic, 880-seat Palladium Theater in downtown St. Petersburg, #1 Pavilion. www.spmoh.org or 727-894-1052. Florida, as well as other venues in the Tampa Bay area. With excellent acoustics Relive Midtown Memories: The Dr. Carter G. Woodson Museum presents and the intimacy of an old-style European opera house, the Palladium venue the historic voice of St. Petersburg’s African American community in the favors hearing the voices and seeing up-close the expressions of our artists, perspective of local, regional, and national history. It is another demonstration creating an enriching experience for the patron. www.stpeteopera.org or of the commitment to revitalize the Midtown St. Petersburg area. The museum 727-823-2040. n Page 34 January/February 2015 NORTHEAST JOURNAL
HISTORY Continued from page 1 The restoration itself removed an eyesore from one of the principals in the Vinoy’s restoration, envisioned of the downtown’s most prominent locations. A it that way. Long before the restoration was derelict Vinoy cut short any interest investors might accomplished, he said, “There have certainly been a have had in the city. The hotel is an important engine lot of skeptics about downtown St. Petersburg. But for the city’s economy in its own right, now employing approximately 500 people, generating annual revenue we’re true believers in where St. Pete is going. I’ve of nearly $50 million, and various taxes of nearly $6 felt for years that this was a town just waiting to million. But more importantly, the Vinoy’s reopening happen, and I think in a couple of years this is going eventually played a major role in stimulating new to be a spectacular city.” In a 1992 statement he said, construction and business, especially along Beach “There was a special window: 1986, 87-88… the Drive and other nearby areas; helped make new financing available for additional development pro- jects; and had an important psychological effect on investor confidence. As architect and Cloisters Craig McLaughlin was president of the Vinoy Development developer Randy Wedding Corporation and a partner with Fred Guest and Bert Stephens said, “There was a lot of back in restoring the Vinoy. He was also a principal in building the Vinoy Place condos. Michaels Family Collection. pressure built up for a long period of time. The problem was that people were a bit timid about it [investing].” Interpreting the cold statis- tical data available from the City on major construction Historic view of the downtown waterfront with (left to right) the Ponce de Leon Hotel, throughout the downtown Yacht Club, and 300 room Soreno Hotel. The Soreno hotel was on the approximate site of today’s Florencia condominium. Historically, downtown was perhaps even more vibrant in between 1985 and 2010 is terms of activity in the past, and the structure of past vitality continues to serve as the challenging. If one were to foundation for today’s resurgence. Image Ca 1935. Michaels Family Collection. graph it and control for inflation, there would be no Dome [Tropicana Field stadium] was under way, Bay steady progression of construction dating from the Plaza, the Mahaffey Theater, The Pier – it was before Vinoy. Prior to the Vinoy restoration in 1992, there the recession, when it looked as if a lot of things were were significant developments in 1985 (South Trust coming together for the city... Now many are looking Tower), 1987 (Hilton Hotel Renovation), 1988 to the Vinoy as the psychological boost that will make (Mahaffey Renovation), 1990 (Tropicana Field), and the long-hoped-for downtown rejuvenation a reality.” 1991 (Barnett Tower). Two of these were largely David Fischer was mayor of St. Petersburg from 1991 to 2000. He was a principal in organizing the Florida International Guest spoke of the “intertwined future of the hotel publicly funded projects, the Mahaffey and Tropicana Field. While Tropicana was not completed until 1990, Museum. Michaels Family Collection. and the city,” and said he hoped that “the hotel can the City first committed funding for it in 1983. Subse- diminish the real and symbolic significance of the generate spin-off success: restaurants and retail, even quent to the Vinoy restoration, there were also Vinoy as a catalyst to downtown’s continuing devel- relocations by executives who stay at the hotel and significant medical construction projects in 1994 and opment (even today), but St. Petersburg’s 1980s push find the city a good place to do business.” Later, in a 1995 (Suncoast Medical, Bayfront, and All Children’s) for major league baseball and the stadium set the stage 2012 Times interview, he said “I believed St. Pete and in 1997 another significant public investment in to attract the developer’s attention and investment in could be this beautiful city, which it is now, and that getting the Trop ready for baseball. the Vinoy. The very controversial stadium decision the hotel would be the heart of it, and people locally Martin Normile, formerly president of St. Petersburg demonstrated St. Petersburg’s determination and would join, and other people would come from other Progress, was a close observer of the Vinoy’s restoration commitment to downtown redevelopment. Fred parts of the world to visit.” and downtown’s revitalization. He states, “Not to Guest and others saw in the stadium decision that St.
Cityscape view from the Pier. Prominent structures and opening dates from left to right are the Signature (2009), Bayfront Tower (1975), Florencia (2000), Ovation (2009), Plaza Tower and Courtyard (1979), Parkshore Plaza (2006), and 400 Beach (2008). Courtesy City of St. Petersburg. NORTHEAST JOURNAL January/February 2015 Page 35
Petersburg was serious and well-organized about as of greater immediate importance with respect to 2007, however later exhibits were far less successful pushing forward with development. If the city, county, Downtown’s revitalization. The museum was heavily than Czars and Titanic. Nevertheless the museum had and business community were so willing to take on subsidized by philanthropist John W. Galbraith and a significant impact on the downtown. Stores and that kind of project, then something special was about the City. It opened in 1995 with the Treasures of the restaurants sprang up near the museum almost to happen in Downtown. It provided credibility and Czars exhibit in the former Maas Brothers Department overnight. A 1996 Times article hyping the Alexander momentum.” Guest’s partner and president of the Store. The exhibit drew an amazing 600,000 visitors the Great exhibit listed 45 restaurants and cafés within Vinoy Development Corporation, Craig McLaughlin, – more than twice the population of the city. walking distance of the museum. A similar list printed said, “The building of the stadium was huge for the Former Mayor Dave Vinoy – sleepy old St. Pete rolling dice on a baseball Fischer was instrumental in stadium without a team. That was an image changer. obtaining the Czars exhibit. Was it genius or was it folly?” Guest and McLaughlin Originally the plan was to bring an exhibit on Catherine the Great. Mayor Fischer and former St. Petersburg College president Carl Kuttler flew to St. Petersburg, Russia, to make arrange- ments. Upon arrival they were escorted for three or four days by none other than Vladimir Putin who at that time was a mere assistant to the city mayor. After the Mayor David Fischer and St. Petersburg College President Carl visit to St. Petersburg, The Florida International Museum greatly helped to add to the momentum for downtown’s Kuttler visited St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1992 to negotiate revitalization begun by the Vinoy Restoration. Some 800,000 people visited the exhibit Fischer made a side trip to bringing an exhibit on Catherine the Great to St. Petersburg, Titanic. Image 2002. Courtesy of St. Petersburg Museum of History. Florida. While there they were escorted about by Vladimir Moscow. While there, he Putin, at the time a mere assistant to the Russian city mayor. visited the Kremlin Museums Google Images which held the treasures of the czars. Later, when in 1998 for the Empires of Mystery exhibit had grown thought it was genius. Similarly, Dave Fischer, mayor negotiations for the Catherine exhibit fell through, to 64. Restaurants would even coordinate their menus at the time the Vinoy opened and when St. Petersburg he managed to secure the czars treasures, which had to fit exhibit themes. Mel Sembler, developer of nearby obtained a baseball franchise, stated “one thing never before left the country. BayWalk (now the Sundial), stated he never would baseball did early for us was stimulate the imagination The Czars exhibit was topped in 1997-98 by the have launched the shopping and entertainment of those who developed the hotel.” Titanic exhibit drawing 800,000 visitors. By comparison, complex if it hadn’t been for the museum. An economic While the stadium helped get attention of investors the city’s most popular museum, the Dali, appears on impact study estimated that Czars alone generated $34 in the Vinoy and other projects to follow, McLaughlin track this year to reach a record 400,000 visitors. The million outside the museum. The Czars’ impact even saw the opening of the Florida International Museum International Museum continued to operate until Continued on page 36 Page 36 January/February 2015 NORTHEAST JOURNAL
HISTORY Continued from page 35 did, the clientele they were attracting.” The Florencia rippled over to the Fine Arts Museum and Pier helping broke ground in 1998 and was completed in 2000. In break visitation records there. the same interview Mayor Rick Baker summed it up, According to McLaughlin, the International “I have always felt that bringing back downtown was Museum was significant in indirectly attracting new a three-legged stool: Getting the Vinoy renovated, residents downtown. He also credits the “Get bringing baseball downtown, and getting an enter- Downtown First Friday” events which date from the tainment center into downtown. The Vinoy really time of the International Museum and still continue. kicked off the renovation of downtown St. Petersburg.” Prospective residents demanded restaurants and night Phase 3: Second Wave life and the museum stimulated that. They also McLaughlin saw these first Beach Drive projects demanded shopping and BayWalk helped to provide as a test of the market. Could three downtown condos that. Later, in 2003, the downtown Publix and CVS built about the same time be successful? Had the pharmacy were added. “It also gave the Vinoy downtown again achieved the “synergy” and “critical something to market,” says McLaughlin. “Guests mass” necessary for sustained development? The came to the Vinoy to see the Treasures of the Czars answer was a resounding “yes.” Once that was clear, and later Titanic. The Vinoy’s guests liked what they the third phase of downtown revitalization began five saw in St. Pete. They especially appreciated the years later. Starting in 2006 and continuing into 2009 downtown waterfront parks and the proximity to the was another wave of construction including Parkshore bay. Some decided to make St. Pete their home and Plaza, 1010 Central, The Sage, 400 Beach, Ovation, influenced their friends to move to St. Pete as well. and the Signature. There was also significant The Ovation is located at 180 Beach Drive and opened in 2009. It was built at a cost of $65 million (hard costs) and has 26 stories and 45 units. Michaels Family Collection.
industry. Additionally, the nation was just coming out of a recession, and lodging revenue actually did not regain 1990 levels until 1996. The recession also put a damper on lending. New projects require lead time before construction begins. Planning and securing financing for a project to break ground in 1997 might typically start two or three years earlier. Taking that into consideration, given the reopening of the Vinoy in July 1992, the Vinoy’s impact was fairly quick. Ground was broken for the Cloisters in 1997, with opening in 1999. (The lead architect for the Cloisters was Randy Wedding. Wedding was previously a major player in R. W. Enterprises’ bid to restore the Vinoy.) Ground was broken for the Vinoy Place condos in 1998, three years before completion in 2001. Jack Bowman, longtime St. Petersburg realtor and one of the developers of the Cloisters in a 2012 The Cloisters was the first condo to open on Beach Drive after statement said, “The Vinoy was the first piece of the The Florencia was the second condo to open on Beach Drive the Vinoy Restoration. Its lead architect was Randy Wedding puzzle. Guest took the chance, and he gets the credit. after the Vinoy Restoration. It is located at 100 Beach, has 51 who was also involved in early efforts to restore the Vinoy. He saw there was something here worth doing. If it units, 21 stories, and cost $30 million to build (hard costs). hadn’t been for him, we probably wouldn’t have done The Vinoy, the Museum, and the restaurants and construction at USF and Mahaffey. Then building what we did.” Bob Ulrich, also a partner in the retail again ‘created life’ in the downtown,” he added. again paused as the effects of the Great Recession of Cloisters, was mayor when Guest started the Vinoy 2008-2009 set in. But while the building market Phase 2: First Wave of Downtown Condos venture. “The impact [of the Vinoy] was huge. It’s paused, McLaughlin’s perception is that the demand None of the development to occur during this first impossible to measure the amount of influence it had for living in downtown St. Pete did not. For example, phase was on Beach Drive or immediately adjacent to on further development,” he said. “There’s no other he believes, despite the recession, the downtown saw it. None of it was residential. Then in 1999, a second project downtown with the exception of the Dome yet another record number of restaurants. phase of revitalization began when a wave of residential [Tropicana Field] that anybody has put $95 million condos began hitting the waterfront starting with the into. I do know there were other projects that lenders Phase 4: Current Boom Cloisters, soon followed by the Florencia, Vinoy Place, were reluctant to fund without the Vinoy. We might We are now in a fourth phase with development and the Madison apartments, two blocks west of the have had a difficult time financing [the Cloisters] reaching yet another peak. In 2010, All Children’s Mahaffey. McLaughlin views this second phase as without the Vinoy.” opened a new hospital. The new Dali Museum opened finally giving the downtown a “residential address.” Mike Cheezem, CEO of JMC Communities, said in 2011 as did Fusion Apartments on Central. St. These developments led the way in again validating in a 2002 interview that the Vinoy opened the way Anthony’s Hospital underwent a major expansion in downtown as a desirable place to live. for the Florencia on Beach Drive. “It was a real big 2012. The Birchwood Inn opened on Beach Drive After the 1992 reopening of the Vinoy, it took time factor in our decision to build that community, the last year. Within a mile of the downtown waterfront to successfully reposition the hotel in the hospitality Vinoy’s stature, its success, the quality of what they parks, thirteen additional projects have either been NORTHEAST JOURNAL January/February 2015 Page 37
narrative and ultimate success was definitely on the minds of Selected Downtown Development the developers of the Cloisters, Timeline & Construction Costs the Florencia, and others (First figure is cost when built/second is cost adjusted for CPI) wanting to make an investment 1965 Bayfront Center (400 4th St. SE) (demolished 2004) in our city. The role of the 1965 Mahaffey Theater (400 4th St. SE) Florida International Museum, 1971 Hilton Hotel (Bayfront Concourse) ($8M) opening three years after the 1973 Inverted Pyramid ($8M) Vinoy, was also prominent, 1975 Bayfront Tower (1 Beach Dr. SE) ($5M/$21.6M) sparking restaurants, retail, and even BayWalk. While the 1979 Plaza Tower & Courtyard (111 2nd Ave. N.) ($2.5M/$8M) International Museum is no 1982 Salvador Dali Museum opens at Bayboro longer, it was followed by an 1985 South Trust Tower (150 2nd Ave. N.) ($20M/$43.3M) array of other prominent 1987 Hilton Hotel Renovation (333 1st St. S.) cultural institutions including ($23M/$47.2M) the new Dali, an expanded 1988 McNulty Station (260 1st Ave. S.) ($11.5M/$22.7M) Museum of Fine Arts, a 1988 Municipal Pier Renovation ($12.5M/$24.6M) renovated Mahaffey, the 1988 Tampa Bay Times Building ($13.5M/$26.6) Chihuly Glass Collection, and 1990 Tropicana Field ($152M/$271M) an increasingly energetic One Progress Plaza (200 Central Ave., History Museum, to name a 1991 A new development named “ONE” is planned for the Tropicana block at First Street and originally Barnett Tower) ($57M/$97.5M) few. Tom James, CEO of First Avenue North. The development will combine a 13 story hotel with a 41 story 1991 Maas Brothers closes condo. The project will become the city’s tallest structure. Courtesy of City of St. Petersburg. Raymond James Financial, has 1992 Vinoy Hotel reopens ($93M/$154.4M) committed $75 million for a 1995 Florida International Museum recently completed or are underway. Seven of these new museum to exhibit his collection of western and 1995 Tampa Bay Devil Rays contracted are apartment buildings rather than condos reflecting wildlife art. Ruby Ciccarello of the Two Red Roses 1998 Devil Rays Play First Game a new trend. One development, to be built on the Foundation plans to build the largest arts and crafts 1999 The Cloisters (288 Beach) ($17M/$23.7M) long near-vacant Tropicana Block on Central Avenue, museum in the nation next to the Synovus Bank on 2000 The Florencia (100 Beach) ($30M/$40.6M) combines a 13-story hotel with a 41-story condo 3rd Avenue North. A new Pier is pending, and master 2000 BayWalk (199 2nd Ave. N.) ($20M/$27.1M) tower. The condo tower will be taller than the city’s planning is underway to further invigorate the storied current tallest building, One Progress Plaza (originally downtown waterfront parks. These cultural resources 2001 Madison (200 4th Ave. S.) ($30M/$39.5M) the Barnett Bank Tower). All totalled, these projects not only attract visitors, but also provide rich cultural 2001 Vinoy Place Condominiums ($60M/$78.0M) will add over 2,000 new homes to the downtown. This opportunities for city residents, particularly those 2002 Hampton Inn & Suites (50 Beach Dr.) ($5.1/$6.6M) is a huge addition of new housing units, nearly twice living in the downtown area. While the Vinoy was 2006 Duke Energy (100 3rd St. N.) ($66M/$76.3M) the number in the Snell Isle neighborhood north of prominent in sparking the process of downtown 2006 USF Additions ($33M/$38M) Downtown, although on average it is expected there revitalization, each subsequent development further 2006 ParkShore Plaza (300 Beach) ($100M/$115.6M) will be fewer people per unit. added to the snowball effect, creating a synergy that 2006 Renovated Mahaffey Theater (400 4th St. SE) ($26.3M/$30.4M) It must be remembered that we are talking about both sustains development accomplishments previ- 2007 Albert Whitted Aviation Terminal Building and downtown re-vitalization. Historically, downtown was ously achieved and boosts them further yet. n Restaurant ($4.4M/$4.9M) perhaps even more vibrant in terms of activity in the Sources: City of St. Petersburg, City Charter (1982, 1984), 2007 1010 Central ($32M/$36M) past, and the structure of past vitality continues to and “Major Downtown Development Projects List” (2014); 2008 400 Beach Condos & Chihuly Glass Museum serve as the foundation for today’s resurgence. Prudy Taylor Board, The Renaissance Vinoy: St. Petersburg’s ($70M/$75.6M) Location of course is everything. Our founding city Crown Jewel (1999); Evening Independent (Various; 2008 The Sage (419 4th St. S.) ($53.5M/$57.9M) leaders recognized this by taking the downtown water- especially 4/23/86); Walter P. Fuller, St. Petersburg and Its 2009 Ovation Completed (180 Beach) ($65M/$70.6M) front off the tax rolls and making a strategic decision People (1972) (pp. 219-229); Tampa Bay Times (Various 2009 Signature Place (100 1st Ave. S.) ($170M/$184.6M) but especially 11/7/84; 8/10/02;8/1/2012; 11/21/14); Hotel to dedicate it as parkland. At one time, the Pier upland 2010 All Children’s Hospital ($329M/$352M) News Resource, “US Hotel Occupancy Rate to Recover to was far more developed than today, including the 2011 Fusion Apartments ($44M/$46M) Pre-Recession Levels in 2014 According to PKF,” (March 18, indoor Spa swimming pool, the Solarium for nude sun 2010 Bella Brava Restaurant (204 Beach) ($670K/$714.8K) 2014); Gary Lantrip, “Profile: Frederick E. Guest II,” Tampa bathing, and several other recreational amenities. 2011 New Salvador Dali Museum (401 1st St. SE) Before the Vinoy, there was the 300-room Soreno Bay Life (September 1990); Communications with Peter ($36M/$37.3M) Belmont, Martin Normile, Craig McLaughlin, and Dave Hotel on Beach Drive. Both were located to take 2012 St. Anthony’s Hospital Additions ($50M/$52M) Fischer. Also, many thanks to Elaine Normile, Renaissance advantage of the waterfront parks, bay views, and 2013 Birchwood Inn ($6M) Vinoy Hotel historian, for her extensive help and support. water-related recreation. 2014 Sundial (153 2nd Ave. N.) ($20M) The genesis of urban development can be a Will Michaels has served as executive director and trustee of the 2015 Rowland Place (146 4th Ave NE) in construction complex process, at times difficult to interpret. No St. Petersburg Museum of History, vice-president of the Carter ($3.5M) doubt the baseball stadium and other pre-1992 G. Woodson Museum of African American History, president 2016 Bliss (176 4th Ave. NE) to begin construction projects had their influence, both on the decision to of St. Petersburg Preservation, and co-chair of the Tony Jannus Source: City of St. Petersburg, Major Construction List. Most cost invest in the Vinoy and in subsequent projects. But, Distinguished Aviation Society. He is the author of The Making figures are taken from city permits and do not include “soft costs” the Vinoy clearly played a special role in downtown of St. Petersburg. He may be reached at 727-420-9195, or such as architectural design, engineering, legal, and land acquisition. revitalization, especially near the waterfront. Its [email protected]. Page 38 January/February 2015 NORTHEAST JOURNAL Old Victorian Lady Becomes Gracious New Home Susan Rebillot he soft-yellow three-story Victorian Four Square at 315 8th Avenue NE was built in 1919, during the first St. Petersburg real estate boom, the era Tof Perry Snell and others who developed neighborhoods north of downtown, including the Old Northeast and some of Snell Isle. The Vinoy Park Hotel was yet to be envisioned by Amyl Vinoy Laughner, and the Soreno Hotel – the first of ten grand hotels – was still five years from fruition. There are only two other identical Victorian Four Squares in this neighborhood, so its appearance with the open first-floor front porch, second-story balcony, clapboard siding, and characteristic bay windows on the first and second floors is distinctive. Today, this period house is home to Frank Hay, Steve Deal, and Summer, their rescue Lab. Frank and Steve are preservation pioneers in the Historic Old Northeast, well-known and well-loved by friends and neighbors. This is the third house in the neighborhood that they have inhabited and loved, but their current home is the one that they have inhabited for the longest period of time. It is clear that this house, more than others, has captured their hearts. They love to share its history and the story of their adventures preserving and restoring this once- again warm and gracious home. William J. Cermak, a shoe retailer from Chicago, arrived in St. Petersburg in Steve is the sole proprietor of a barber shop in South Tampa, and Frank is an 1919 and had this house built. There are boards in the attic that have his name advertising professional with frequently required travel. They are very hard-working stamped on them. Mr. Cermake became a city councilman and was an avid, men and self-taught do-it-yourselfers. They consulted friends who are architects, talented amateur golfer. Unfortunately, his wife, Nettie Louisa, died in 1924, just and they watched episodes of Restore America on HGTV. They purchased an old five years after the home was completed, and the financial crash of 1929 was truck that they named “Betty Ford,” in order to haul away the debris that was left devastating to Mr. Cermak. However, he in the home. Their plan was to restore remarried and went on to raise children the home to a single-family residence, in St. Petersburg. Frank did the genealogy which would require extensive work. research to try to construct the history The electrical wiring, plumbing, and of Mr. Cermak and of the home. roofing were completed by contractors. In 2000, the once-grand home was in But, Steve and Frank reglazed and a very poor state. The more recent owner rehabilitated all 56 wood double-hung had lost his wife and had become quite windows in the home, including reclusive. He separated the first from the restoring the original sunroom windows. second floor in order to have a rental They restored all of the wood trim and unit. He covered up some original details crown molding, plate rails, and coffered in the home, such as a third story dormer. ceilings. The irreplaceable heart-pine He filled in the fireplace chimney with floors were refinished, and salvaged concrete. He removed the original heart-pine from a warehouse in Ybor windows from the sunroom, filled in the City replaced the termite-damaged spaces with Styrofoam, and covered the section of the second floor. exterior wall with vinyl siding. There Frank explains the couple’s was extensive termite damage to a philosophy about restoring old homes section of heart-pine floor on the second and making them functional today. “We floor, and the kitchen was dark, cramped and non-functional. Following this man’s really thought about what this house and each room were intended to be, and we suicide, the home was on the market on an avenue still very much in need of considered the functions that we knew that we wanted in our home, room by restoration of houses. room. Then, we just let the house speak to us.” Steve and Frank viewed the home just prior to Thanksgiving 2000 at the Steve and Frank both grew up in families that loved to have gatherings, and suggestion of a friend, when two neighbors who had purchased the home decided so they knew that they wanted to design the interior to be warm, inviting, and that they could not make the commitment necessary to rehabilitate this old house. comfortable for friends, neighbors, and family. They honored the original footprint of the home, eschewing the trend to try to create open concept living space when so much charm lies in the original flow of one room into another. Steve loves to tell stories about their misadventures while creating this stunning home. Frank purchased an asphalt saw in order to remove the exterior iron staircase that lead to the second-story rental unit. Frank was feeling quite proud of his work, until he eyed Steve, red-faced and shouting to him, pointing at the neighbor’s side yard where sparks generated by the saw had ignited the lawn. On another day, water rained down from the sunroom ceiling, because a plumber had not sealed a pipe. Today, this old house is a warm, inviting character home with 21st Century functionality. There is a cozy While Steve and Frank were initially aghast at the condition of the home, they Frank Hay and Steve Deal living room with a high, coffered ceiling also envisioned its potential. They purchased the home, and hosted a Christmas wired for period-style lighting. There is a large, formal dining room with a ceiling party for the Second Time A-Rounder’s Band that they titled, “Party Among the with a special patina applied by Frank and Steve that glows with the light from Ruins.” After the holidays, they set to work developing a plan. They wisely carved the 12-light Schonbeck chandelier. And there’s a media room, which has all of out some space on the second floor that they could withdraw to in order to escape the contemporary features for that function, but which also features a period the chaos of the renovations. lighting fixture that was rescued from a mansion in Nashville. NORTHEAST JOURNAL January/February 2015 Page 39
The kitchen has a new efficient U-shaped floor plan and a breakfast bar, but has some of the original recessed-panel cabinetry, and new cabinets designed to match, all painted a soft sage green. Countertops are Carrera Marble, a nod to the early 20th Century kitchens. There are original, restored plate rails, which display the china from the Soreno Hotel, the 1924 grand hotel which was demolished in 1992. The sunny, open front porch and the sunroom both have restored original Cuban tile. The second-floor master bedroom features French doors that lead to the original balcony, which faces south. A sun porch was converted into space for the large master bath, which has a large marble and subway tile shower and all of the amenities that are desirable in a master en suite today. The second floor also has an office, a guest bedroom, a guest bath, and a modern laundry room with plenty of storage and Steve’s very first barber chair. The guest bath tub was sourced in South Carolina and was the catalyst for a guest bath update. The most recent work completed by these very ambitious men is the lush, semi-tropical landscaping of the back garden, which surrounds the deck and flows back to a “summer house” in the back. There are fishtail palms, giant timber bamboo, a koi pond, and a swimming pool and spa with flagstone trim and curvy, graceful lines – very inviting! Frank and Steve envisioned their aging parents taking up residence in the “summer house,” but it has instead become a rather lovely bed-and-breakfast for visitors and sometimes for the couple when they desire time at home but away from home. Frank and Steve continue to be in love with their home. They entertain often, and graciously participate in neighborhood events, opening their home frequently to friends and neighbors. They are very comfortable here, and they love that everyone who spends time in this home falls a bit in love with it, too. They view themselves as good stewards of a remarkable home with history and character. When asked if they envision preserving and restoring another home, Frank quickly replies, “You know, there is this home in the neighborhood that we have said, if it goes on the market, we would...” Both men smiled broadly. n Susan Rebillot has resided in the Historic Old NE for 32 years with her husband John. She is a retired clinical social worker. She has an avid interest in historic preservation, gardening, cooking, reading, travel, and other cultures. She publishes a food blog, Olives and Figs Chronicles, Italian and French-Inspired Table. She is employed part-time as the garden specialist at Sunken Gardens, and she serves on the HONNA Board of Directors.
ADVERTISE in the JOURNAL
Contact Susan at 727. 259.3149 or [email protected] for all your advertising needs. Page 40 January/February 2015 NORTHEAST JOURNAL
AROUND THE BLOCK
You Cubed: Picasso Self-Portrait geometric elements to transform your portrait in the early 20th century Cubist Art Movement. Workshop and Make-and-Take a style reminiscent of Picasso’s cubist paintings. Make and take home! Cubism Art Activities at the Morean This workshop is a partnership between the Workshops are scheduled each 2nd Saturday Your face – cubed! You’ll start with two photo- Dali Museum and the Morean Arts Center, held Art Walk of St Pete from November through graphs of your own face, one taken from the front at The Morean. All ages welcome. February, 2-8pm. and the other from the side. Event dates are Saturday, January 10 and Please allow for 1 hour to complete your project. When the photos are printed, the creativity February 14, 2-8pm. Cost: $10 per photo-portrait. begins! Also available for all ages is a Picasso-inspired Event Location: Morean Arts Center, 719 Cut up your black and white prints and art activity using construction paper cutouts. Central Ave. St Pete, FL 33701. recombine to incorporate multiple perspectives Play with dimension, perspective, line and For more information call 727.822.7872. n within the same image. Embellish with color and color, exploring the compositional innovations of
Page 42 January/February 2015 NORTHEAST JOURNAL
TAKING A CLOSER LOOK Photos by Brent Johnston 1 2
3 4 5 6
7 8
9 10
NE; 7) cheerful shutters, 1225 1/2 2nd Street NE; 8) elephant greeters, 261 7th Avenue NE; 9) the details we love, 1400 Beach Drive NE; 10) gecko and sun, 105 12th 105 sun, and gecko 10) NE; Drive Beach 1400 love, we details the 9) NE; Avenue 7th 261 greeters, elephant 8) NE; Street 2nd 1/2 1225 shutters, cheerful 7) NE; 1) Snell Isle Bridge; 2) terrific texture, 2050 Coffeepot Blvd.; 3) Rogers Cleaners, 2018 4th Street; 4) landmark to home, 21st Ave N & Coffeepot; 5) on guard, 1225-1/2 2nd Street NE; 6) Vinoy Place, 555 5th Avenue Avenue 5th 555 Place, Vinoy 6) NE; Street 2nd 1225-1/2 guard, on 5) Coffeepot; & N Ave 21st home, to landmark 4) Street; 4th 2018 Cleaners, Rogers 3) Blvd.; Coffeepot 2050 texture, terrific 2) Bridge; Isle Snell 1) NORTHEAST JOURNAL January/February 2015 Page 43 Active SoldActive Active
1833 Brightwaters Boulevard NE 556 21st Avenue NE 1338 Park St N Private Waterfront Estate Built to the Historic Estate Home Situated on Two Prestigious Park Street Home with Expansive Highest Standards. Open Water Views to Lots. Grand Foyer Entry and Executive Water Views of Boca Ciega Bay. Formal Downtown St Pete and Tampa with Deep Office. First Level Master Suite. Open Entertaining Spaces and Floor to Ceiling Water Boating Access. Exceptional Indoor Kitchen / Family Room Floorplan. Four Windows with Views of the 545 ft Deep and Outdoor Entertaining spaces with Large Bedrooms Upstairs. Private Tropical Lot. Classic Brick Patio and Pool. Tile Roof Mugani Pizza Oven & Gazebo. Landscaped Backyard and Resort Style Pool. Replaced 2013. 5 BR, 4.5 BA, Library, Fitness Room, Pool & 5 BR, 4.5 BA, Executive Office, Pool & Spa - 4 BR, 4.5 BA, 5,581 Sq Ft, 2 CG Spa - 5,601 Sq Ft, 3 CG 3,968 Sq Ft, 2 CG Offered for $1,650,000 Offered for $3,800,000 Offered for $1,420,000
Get To Know Active Active
Old Northeast
1925 Kansas Ave NE 635 13th Ave NE Want to Get The Best Stunning Waterfront Home with Pebble Classic Brick Home, Close to Downtown Tec Pool, Sophisticated Interior Finishes & the Waterfront Park & . Exceptional Deal For Your Home... with Hardwood Floors, Upgraded Kitchen. Outdoor Kitchen & Entertaining Patio. Three Executive Style Master Suite has Large Bedroom Suites with Historic Charm and Walk-In Closet and Bath with Dual Built In’s Throughout. Media Room/ Bonus Get to Know JJ and the Z Vanities, Spa Tub and Shower. Room Upstairs. 3 BR, 2.5 BA, 2,823 Sq Ft, 2 CG 3 BR, 3 BA, 2,492 Sq Ft, 2 CG 727-344-9191 Offered for $899,999 Offered for $735,000 [email protected]
Active PendingActive
736 18th Ave NE 200 Southeast Blvd N Exceptional Location in Old NE just One Completely Remodeled with a New Roof, Block From Beach Drive and North Shore New AC, New Windows, and All New Waterfront Park. Two Story Traditional, Appliances. Located on a corner lot with All Bedrooms Upstairs. Screen-Enclosed, fenced backyard. Two Living Spaces. Move Deep Pool. Private Driveway from the Brick in Ready. 3 BR, 2 BA, 1,448 Sq Ft, 1 CG Lined Street. Offered for $214,900 3 BR, 2.5 B A, 1,958 Sq Ft, 2 CG Offered for $449,000
Sold Sold
Julie Jones
1089 Cordova Blvd NE 1521 21st Ave N Kathryn Krayer Zimring Estate Home Built in 2005. Desirable Euclid/St Paul Updated Bungalow. New Corner Lot with Quality Construction and Kitchen with French Doors to Paver Patio Attention to Detail. Two Suites on the First and Large Backyard, Bonus Room or Office. Level. Private Courtyard Pool & Spa. Mod- 2 BR, 1 BA, 928 Sq Ft, 1 CG ern, Open Floorplan. Great Location in this METRO Waterfront Neighborhood. Offered for $174,900 SOLD 97% REAL ESTATE SERVICES 4 BR, 4.5 BA, 3,515 Sq Ft, 3 CG 201 2nd Avenue North Offered for $825,000 SOLD 95% St. Petersburg, FL 33701